International E-Waste Day, observed on October 14, calls on everyone to: “Join the hunt for e-waste – collect, recycle and revive!” » The theme draws attention to the large quantities of unused electronic devices in homes, highlighting the importance of recycling and resurrecting valuable materials hidden in devices such as cell phones, cables and other forgotten electronics .

Waste electrical and electronic equipment – ​​or e-waste – is one of the fastest growing environmental challenges in the world. At current rates, the world will produce an alarming 82 billion kilograms of e-waste per year by 2030, according to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024, released earlier this year by the ITU – the United Nations agency for digital technologies – UNITAR and the Carmignac Foundation. , provides technical assistance to countries wishing to prepare and implement e-waste regulations.

“We need to take full advantage of technology with sustainability in mind,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “Together with partners around the world, we are working to pave the way for a future where digital innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

Rapid technological advancements have brought electronic waste to the forefront of global concerns. As digital innovation continues to accelerate, responsible management of e-waste has become urgent.

In response, ITU and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Commission for Communications, Space and Technology (CST) are working together to advance and implement producer responsibility-based regulations for e-waste in developing countries.

“Globally, 62 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated in 2022, but less than 23% of it was recycled,” said Naif Sheshah, deputy governor for strategy and digitalization at CSE of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “CST, together with ITU, is taking proactive steps to change this situation and promote a sustainable digital future.”

Initially focusing on Paraguay, Rwanda and Zambia, the initiative, launched in 2023 during COP28, relies on collaboration with local stakeholders to achieve effective e-waste management solutions adapted to local needs.

“Our effective collaboration with CST addresses one of today’s pressing environmental issues and seeks to align technological advancement with sustainable practices. Through this work, together with local partners and stakeholders, we are helping to pave the way for a better future for all,” said Zavazava.

National level action on electronic waste

In ParaguayITU and CST have initiated consultations with national regulators and producers to define the fundamental principles of new e-waste regulations. Key roles and responsibilities are defined through this collaborative process, and a core team of public stakeholders has been created to help guide consultations on Paraguay’s regulatory framework for e-waste.

In RwandaITU and CST are working with a wide range of government authorities to implement a comprehensive producer responsibility system for e-waste management. Electronics producers participate directly in shaping a circular value chain that supports both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

The project brought together a wide range of e-waste stakeholders to establish key regulatory frameworks and identify the material, financial and information flows needed to support a circular electronics economy.

Likewise, in Zambiapartners cooperate with local electronic producers and regulatory agencies to revise existing regulations. The project began to extend producer responsibility to the post-consumer stage, so that electronic products can be managed sustainably beyond their useful life.

Ongoing consultations on the framework with public and private stakeholders aim to meet the needs of all actors in the e-waste value chain in Zambia.

A replicable approach to e-waste

As the project progresses in Paraguay, Rwanda and Zambia, it can provide a valuable model for other countries seeking to address their e-waste management and sustainability challenges.

The ITU-CST partnership is committed to paving the way for a future where digital innovation and environmental management go hand in hand, ensuring that the benefits of technology are harnessed with sustainability in mind.

Learn more about ITU’s national projects to build the circular economy.

Listen to the beneficiaries

“Paraguay is experiencing an increase in the volume of electronic waste and would significantly benefit from a comprehensive regulatory framework for telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT) equipment at the end of its life cycle. A specialist project team works diligently to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the telecommunications and ICT industry, taking into account the entire electronics value chain. – Eng. Juan Carlos Duarte Duré, President of the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) Paraguay

“Our recent progress in developing Rwanda’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for e-waste management has been remarkable, thanks in large part to the invaluable support of ITU and CST. Through multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving policymakers, regulators and industry partners, we have established a clear vision to regulate a sustainable e-waste ecosystem in Rwanda with the introduction of EPR. As a result, we expect significant improvements in the regulatory framework, which will help unlock the full potential of environmentally sound management of e-waste in Rwanda. – Evariste Rugigana, Director General, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Rwanda

“The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in Zambia is a crucial step towards a sustainable future. With the support of ITU and CST, Zambia is taking important steps to ensure that we develop a comprehensive e-waste management policy, to raise public awareness, encourage circular economy, build capacity of regulators and increase collaboration among stakeholders. – Hanford Chaaba, Corporate Communications Manager, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), Zambia