E-waste from green tech should not be swept under the carpet
Over the years, there has been increasing concern about the e-waste produced by a world that is rapidly adopting new technology. The World Health Organization has noted that in 2019 an alarming 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste was produced globally, but only 17.4 per cent was recorded as being recycled.
Developing countries in Asia and Africa have been the recipients of much of this e-waste, which contains toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. If recycling is not done properly, workers might be exposed to these contaminants, which could also leach into the environment. Meanwhile, people in affluent countries remain largely unaffected.
This problem is worsened by the growing frequency with which consumers replace smartphones, laptops, household appliances and even vehicles. In the United Kingdom, for instance, 28 per cent replace phones every one to two years, while 40 per cent of 18-24-year-olds do so within two years.
The advent of green tech has exacerbated this trend. Older gadgets are being replaced with electronics boasting green, more energy-efficient features. Consumers, immersed in upgrade culture, are attracted by affordable deals and promotions that brand products as environmentally friendly.
However, the constant replacement of items with electronic components only adds to the growing amount of e-waste, outpacing our ability to manage it. These changes will be turbocharged by artificial intelligence.
As solar panels reach the end of their life, they would generate millions of tonnes of e-waste.
The recycling of electric vehicle batteries is also a concern.
The intent of the green revolution, which champions technology that is eco-friendly, energyefficient, recyclable and makes use of renewable resources, is being undermined by industrial policies that prioritise productivity and profit.
It is time we evaluated the necessity of discarding the old in favour of fleeting “efficient” technology, paid attention to irreversible risks and reflected on whether new advancements truly serve humanity. We need to reconsider the true purpose of our digital sprint in light of our green aspirations. Professor Mohammad Tariqur Rahman, associate dean (continuing education), Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya