UNU-2017全球电子垃圾监测报告（英文版）-2017-116页-6mb

Summary of The Global E-waste Monitor 2017

Core Content

The Global E-waste Monitor 2017 is a collaborative report by the United Nations University (UNU), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and International Solid Waste Association (ISWA). It provides a comprehensive analysis of global e-waste generation, flows, and management, emphasizing the need for improved data collection and policy implementation to address the environmental and economic challenges posed by e-waste.

Main Points

• E-waste Definition: E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its components. It includes six categories: temperature exchange equipment, screens and monitors, lamps, large equipment, small equipment, and small IT and telecommunication equipment.

• Global E-waste Statistics: In 2016, the world generated 44.7 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste, equivalent to about 6.1 kg per inhabitant. This is expected to rise to 52.2 Mt by 2021, or 6.8 kg per inhabitant.

• Recycling Rates: Only 20% of the generated e-waste was documented as collected and recycled. In higher-income countries, a significant portion of e-waste ends up in residual waste, often incinerated or landfilled. The report highlights the lack of reliable e-waste data in many countries, with only 41 countries collecting official statistics.

• Regional Differences: Asia generated the most e-waste (18.2 Mt), followed by Europe (12.3 Mt), the Americas (11.3 Mt), Africa (2.2 Mt), and Oceania (0.7 Mt). Oceania had the highest e-waste generation per capita (17.3 kg/inh), while Africa had the lowest (1.9 kg/inh). Europe had the highest collection rate (35%), while the Americas and Asia had 17% and 15%, respectively.

• E-waste Legislation: 66% of the world's population is covered by e-waste legislation, an increase from 44% in 2014. However, enforcement and implementation remain weak in many regions, especially in Africa, where only a few countries have enacted specific e-waste policies.

• Transboundary Movement: E-waste is often moved from wealthier to poorer countries, with Nigeria importing 77% of its used electric and electronic equipment (UEEE) from EU member states. This movement poses significant environmental and health risks, as these items may be treated as e-waste or not properly managed.

• Economic Value of E-waste: The total value of raw materials in e-waste is estimated at 55 billion Euros in 2016, highlighting the economic potential of e-waste management. Better data and policies are essential to realize this potential and support the circular economy.

• Relation to SDGs: E-waste is closely linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Proper management of e-waste can contribute to achieving these goals by reducing environmental harm, improving public health, and creating employment opportunities.

Key Information

• Partnership: The report is a result of the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership, which aims to improve e-waste data collection and management globally.

• Data Sources: The data was collected and analyzed by various organizations and experts, including Statistics Netherlands, the Basel Convention Regional Centres, and the UNU, ITU, and ISWA teams.

• Challenges: The report identifies several challenges, such as inadequate documentation of e-waste, weak enforcement of legislation, and the lack of reliable statistics in many countries.

• Opportunities: There are significant opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the e-waste recycling and refurbishment sector. The circular economy model is proposed as a solution to reduce environmental impact and maximize resource recovery.

Conclusion

The Global E-waste Monitor 2017 underscores the urgent need for better data, stronger legislation, and improved management practices to address the growing e-waste crisis. It highlights the environmental and health risks associated with e-waste, as well as its economic potential, and calls for international cooperation to develop sustainable and effective solutions.