Raising awareness on Circular Electronics Day initiative

Global e-waste levels continue to rise, posing serious challenges to human health and the environment. Observed annually on January 24, Circular Electronics Day raises awareness about this escalating crisis and promotes sustainable practices such as more sustainable production, extending product lifespans, repairing, buying second-hand, and recycling responsibly. This initiative empowers both consumers and businesses to take action.

Each year, millions of electronic devices are discarded due to breakage, obsolescence, or simply convenience. By 2030, it is estimated that 82 billion kg of e-waste will be generated. As the fastest-growing solid waste stream globally, e-waste presents increasing challenges for both human health and the environment, highlighting the importance of Circular Electronics Day

The Circular Electronics Initiative, which drives this effort, reports that millions of electronic devices are discarded each year due to breakdowns, becoming obsolete, or simply for the sake of convenience. This trend contributes to the rising global e-waste levels, projected to reach 82 billion kg by 2030.

Circular Electronics Day highlights the challenges posed by e-waste to both human health and the environment. According to Andreas Nobell from TCO Development, a founding member of the initiative, "From smartphones and laptops to countless other devices - electronics are integral to our daily lives. Yet, we often dispose of them long before necessary. Treating these items as disposable exacerbates the global e-waste problem." Nobell emphasises the day as a time to "adopt smarter, more sustainable solutions to reduce waste and prolong the usage of our devices. Every small step counts."

This year's Circular Electronics Day prompts individuals and businesses to take specific actions to mitigate electronic waste. These actions include refusing and reusing devices, extending the life of electronics by opting for care, repair, and upgrades, buying second-hand products, selecting durable products, and refurbishing, remanufacturing, or recycling used electronics. The initiative encourages support for global recycling efforts, as discarded electronics often end up in landfills, especially in regions with inadequate recycling facilities, affecting both the environment and local communities.

The Circular Electronics Initiative, made up of a network of over 30 organisations, leads efforts to promote circular practices in the electronics sector. By making even small adjustments, the initiative believes that both consumers and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable digital world.

Additionally, on the same day, TCO Certified is set to release its Circular Electronic Trend Report, providing the latest insights and recommendations for how the IT sector can improve circularity and reduce e-waste. Clare Hobby, Director Purchaser Engagement, Global, TCO Development, is available for in-depth discussions regarding the report's findings.