How much e-waste is discarded in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, the amount of e-waste discarded has been steadily increasing over the years. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK generated around 1.4 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019. This staggering amount is equivalent to nearly 20 kilograms of e-waste per person.

E-waste primarily consists of discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, and household appliances. The rapid advancement of technology, shorter product lifecycles, and increasing consumption rates contribute to the growing e-waste problem in the UK.

Unfortunately, not all e-waste is properly recycled or disposed of. A significant portion ends up in landfills or is illegally exported to developing countries, posing severe environmental and health risks. Proper recycling and responsible e-waste management practices are crucial to tackling this issue and mitigating its negative impacts on the environment and human well-being.