We don’t want precious minerals and metals to be the new plastic. E-waste is not pollution, nor is it waste - it’s a vital resource we are only just starting to value in full.
Most of E-Waste can be found in developing countries such as Africa. In the name of ‘recycling’ and ‘donation’, developed countries export E-Waste to developing countries, and people in developing countries select and sell valuable parts such as copper and gold from the E-Waste. E-Waste that is improperly incinerated generates toxic chemicals, and E-Waste that is left unattended or landfilled contaminates soil and water quality with mercury and lead.