Our junk drawers are hiding a fortune. Old smartphones, broken laptops, and tangled chargers contain valuable materials, yet most e-waste—around 50 million tonnes a year—ends up in landfills. This waste holds an estimated €60 billion in precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, which could be recovered instead of mined, reducing environmental damage.
Beyond metals, e-waste contains rare earth elements vital for modern technology. Sourcing these materials often involves unethical labour and unstable supply chains. Recycling them from discarded electronics would ease reliance on destructive mining and improve sustainability.
Despite this potential, e-waste recycling rates remain low due to poor infrastructure and public awareness. Many people hoard old devices or don’t know where to recycle them. Governments and tech companies must expand collection schemes and invest in better recycling technology.
The good news is that trade-in and refurbishment programmes are growing. Some companies now design modular devices for easier repairs and upgrades, reducing waste. Individuals can help by donating or recycling their old gadgets instead of letting them gather dust. The devices we discard today could power the innovations of tomorrow—without the environmental cost.
Read this article about e-waste processing in Lagos, Nigeria.