Nearly $10 billion in precious metals wasted

SGGP 10/14/2023 06:56

According to a recently released report by the United Nations Institute for Research and Training, nearly $10 billion worth of precious metals are wasted in electronic waste each year.

Electronic devices and appliances that contain metals such as lithium, gold, silver, and copper

Electronic items and devices such as toys, cables, e-cigarettes, electronic devices in general… contain metals such as lithium, gold, silver and copper. These metals are among the strategic materials, playing an important role in green industries and green economic transition.

The research agency called for action to reduce the waste of precious metals. First, it is necessary to raise awareness among consumers so that they can change their behavior of throwing away electronic devices and appliances or keeping them without using them.

Next, the global recycling rate of electrical and electronic waste must be increased. This rate has fallen to around 17% globally . In some regions of South America, Asia and Africa, the recycling rate is almost zero due to the lack of e-waste collection sites.

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