Tracking the Global Generation and Exports of e-Waste. Do Existing Estimates Add up?

TLDR

E‑waste transport to developing regions is a major concern, yet its true scale remains unclear without quantitative estimates. This study tracks global e‑waste flows by compiling estimates of domestic generation, OECD exports, and non‑OECD imports. Using 2005 data, the authors estimate OECD exports as 23 % of domestic generation, then combine generation, imports, and exports to map net global e‑waste flows. The estimates of domestic generation match independent data, about 5,000 kt of e‑waste is imported annually by major non‑OECD recipients—≈ 23 % of OECD generation—and imports into seven non‑OECD countries often exceed OECD export estimates, underscoring large uncertainties.

Abstract

The transport of discarded electronic and electrical appliances (e-waste) to developing regions has received considerable attention, but it is difficult to assess the significance of this issue without a quantitative understanding of the amounts involved. The main objective of this study is to track the global transport of e-wastes by compiling and constraining existing estimates of the amount of e-waste generated domestically in each country MGEN, exported from countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) MEXP, and imported in countries outside of the OECD MIMP. Reference year is 2005 and all estimates are given with an uncertainty range. Estimates of MGEN obtained by apportioning a global total of ∼ 35,000 kt (range 20,000-50,000 kt) based on a nation's gross domestic product agree well with independent estimates of MGEN for individual countries. Import estimates MIMP to the countries believed to be the major recipients of e-waste exports from the OECD globally (China, India, and five West African countries) suggests that ∼ 5,000 kt (3,600 kt-7,300 kt) may have been imported annually to these non-OECD countries alone, which represents ∼ 23% (17%-34%) of the amounts of e-waste generated domestically within the OECD. MEXP for each OECD country is then estimated by applying this fraction of 23% to its MGEN. By allocating each country's MGEN, MIMP, MEXP and MNET = MGEN + MIMP - MEXP, we can map the global generation and flows of e-waste from OECD to non-OECD countries. While significant uncertainties remain, we note that estimated import into seven non-OECD countries alone are often at the higher end of estimates of exports from OECD countries.