The hidden treasure in discarded wearable and fast tech

Sales of fast tech and wearable health devices, such as smartwatches and heart monitors, are increasing and creating a new e-waste problem. This category includes items like single-use electronic vapes, power banks, fitness trackers, and charging or lighting devices priced under €10. According to a report by the WEEE Forum, approximately 44% of Europeans own at least six fast-tech gadgets.

The WEEE Forum describes fast tech as being similar to fast fashion. Data shows that nearly 40% of buyers discarded a fast-tech item without using it at all or within a month of purchase, while nearly 60% reported using a product for no longer than six months. Despite short-lived functionality, the vast majority of respondents expressed general satisfaction with their gadgets.

More than half of those surveyed say they throw unused or broken e-waste in regular trash or keep it at home instead of recycling. DW News reports that approximately 62 million tons of electronics are discarded globally every year.

Brief written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories), DW News — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.