{
  "id": 14389692,
  "title": "The hidden treasure in discarded wearable and fast tech",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/the-hidden-treasure-in-discarded-wearable-and-fast-tech-14389692",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-14T06:52:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW English (Top Stories)",
    "slug": "dw-english-top-stories",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/the-hidden-treasure-in-discarded-wearable-and-fast-tech/a-79649611?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-xml-mrss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nMore 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "The hidden treasure in discarded wearable and fast tech",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/the-hidden-treasure-in-discarded-wearable-and-fast-tech",
        "published": "2026-10-14T06:52:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}