A recently published report from the U.N. International Telecommunication Union and the U.N. Institute for Training and Research has raised concerns about the growing accumulation of electrical and electronic waste across the globe.

Electronic waste is classified as any discarded object that requires a plug or battery to operate, such as smartphones, computer computers or electric vehicles.

The latest study reveals that approximately 62 million tons of electronic waste was produced in 2022, and there are no indications of a change in this pattern or an increase in recycling rates. This type of waste may include harmful substances such as mercury and rare Earth metals.

The waste is also not always stored effectively. Just over 22% of the e-waste mass was properly collected and recycled in 2022, according to the U.N.

According to U.N. agencies, the increased generation of e-waste is linked to elevated levels of consumption, restricted repair choices, brief product lifespans, the expanding use of electronics in society, and inadequacies in e-waste management systems.

According to Cosmas Zavazava, the head of the International Telecommunication Union, recent studies indicate that the issue of e-waste is steadily growing on a global scale. However, less than half of the world is taking effective action to address this challenge, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to promote proper collection and recycling practices.

The rise in electronic waste has resulted in a rise of scavengers in developing countries who sort through garbage at landfills in search of valuable materials to resell. This poses higher health hazards, especially for those who depend on scavenging for income.

Steve Okoth, a scavenger who earns a modest income, stated that the arrival of e-waste often includes powder that harms his health. He explained that as electronic devices heat up, they emit gases that make it difficult for him to work due to chest issues.

The Associated Press contributed certain details to this report.