The hidden treasure in discarded wearable and fast tech

A new report from Brussels-based e-waste association WEEE Forum reveals that fast tech gadgets, which are inexpensive and durable, contribute significantly to electronic waste. Nearly 44% of Europeans own six or more such devices, while over half keep unused or broken items at home rather than recycling them. These gadgets include mini fans, cheap chargers, smartwatches, and single-use electronic vapes.

According to Magdalena Charytanowicz, the Communication Manager of WEEE Forum, fast tech is akin to fast fashion, with many consumers discarding items after only a month of use. The report estimates that about 62 million tons of electronics are discarded globally each year, a figure expected to rise to 82 million by 2030. In Europe, only 40% of electronic waste is recycled, compared to a global rate of 17%, leading to the loss of valuable materials and environmental pollution.

Critical raw materials like manganese, gold, copper, and aluminum are embedded in the 10.7 million tons of e-waste generated in Europe annually. These materials are at the center of geopolitical tensions due to escalating global competition over rare earths and other critical minerals. To reduce the environmental impact of cheap electronic devices, WEEE Forum advocates for increased awareness and easier recycling processes.

However, they emphasize that the most effective solution is to extend the lifespan of products through better design and repair, as recycling raw materials is energy-intensive. The report also highlights the growing problem of digital healthcare e-waste, with sales of wearable healthcare electronics projected to reach 2 billion devices annually by 2050.

Making digital devices used in healthcare recyclable or reusable presents unique challenges due to potential patient contamination, particularly with surgical devices. A recent EU-funded project, DiCE, developed modular designs for reusable ECG cables, reducing environmental impacts by up to 81-94% compared to single-use designs.

Pilot schemes in Belgium, Spain, and Slovenia found that over 60% of people would return unwanted devices if the process was straightforward. Convenience is key to encouraging proper disposal of electronic devices, according to WEEE Forum.