Dive Brief:
- The U.S is the world’s biggest generator of e-waste, producing 66 pounds of electronic waste per person in 2012.
- Worldwide waste totals topped 54 million tons of electronics discarded in 2012, and projections from a UN study have that figure reaching 72 million tons by 2017.
- Key components to lowering the rising tide of waste is awareness and legislation. So far, half of American states have passed e-waste laws.
Dive Insight:
According to John Shegerian, the CEO and co-founder of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), consumer knowledge about e-waste is spreading. He points to ERI’s collection data to underscore the point: In April of 2005, ERI recycled 10,000 pounds of electronics. Fast forward to October of this year, and the the group recycled close to 25 million pounds of e-waste in that month alone.
To spread awareness to an even larger audience, ERI joined Recycle Across America (RAA) to promote expanded e-waste messaging. The groups will pool resources and cross-brand for a greater impact on electronics recycling.
In 2013, ERI partnered with NYC to launch a citywide e-waste collection program. Services include 15 years of free curbside e-waste pick-up for residents.
