E-waste generation worldwide has nearly doubled since 2010, from 33.8 million metric tons to roughly 62 million tons in 2022. Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams, with global e-waste generation projected to reach 82 million metric tons by 2030.

What makes up electronic waste? In 2022, small equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, microwaves, toasters, and electric kettles made up the largest share of global electronic waste generation, at more than 20.4 million metric tons. Another 15 million metric tons of large equipment waste was also generated that year. Although still accounting for less than one percent of e-waste generated worldwide, the growth in solar PV capacity worldwide has seen photovoltaic panels as a growing waste stream.

Where is electronic waste generated?

China is by far the largest e-waste generating country worldwide, with more than 12 million metric tons generated in 2022. In fact, Asia accounted for nearly half of all e-waste generated that year. Nevertheless, when it comes to e-waste generation per capita, four of the top five countries were located in Europe, with Norway leading the ranking at 26.8 kilograms per inhabitant.