More than 40 million tons of e-waste was generated globally in 2014

Old kitchen and bathroom equipments, office equipment make up the 41.8 million tons of electronic waste generated globally in 2014 – according to the report of the United Nations University (UNU).

In 2014, people worldwide discarded all but a small fraction of an estimated 41.8 million metric tonnes (megatonnes – Mt) of electrical and electronic products — mostly end-of-life kitchen, laundry and bathroom equipment like microwave ovens, washing machines and dishwashers.

And the volume of e-waste is expected to rise by 21% to 50 million Mt in 2018.

The new figures were released today in the Global E-Waste Monitor 2014, compiled by the United Nations University (UNU), the UN’s think tank. The report offers in unprecedented detail a wealth of insights into the location and composition of the world’s fast-growing e-waste problem.

Just 7% of e-waste last year was made up of mobile phones, calculators, personal computers, printers, and small information technology equipment.

Almost 60% was a mix of large and small equipment used in homes and businesses. (MTI)