International E-Waste Day
E-waste is made up of electronic products that are old, broken or have come to the end of their usefulness. Televisions, computers, tape players, printers, VCRs, game consoles and so many other electronics items are often left sitting in someone’s basement or garage for years to come or, even worse...
Position your brand as an environmental leader by promoting e-waste recycling initiatives and sustainable electronics practices during International E-Waste Day.
- Host a community e-waste collection drive and highlight your company's sustainability commitment
- Showcase recycled-material products and educate consumers on the lifecycle of electronics
- Partner with certified e-waste recyclers to offer free disposal services and build brand trust
- Share UN Global E-Waste Monitor insights to drive awareness and position your brand as a thought leader
The first celebration of International E-Waste Day took place in 2018 when the event was launched by the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum.
The purpose behind starting the day was to increase public awareness and understanding about the need to reduce and recycle e-waste, encouraging individuals, companies and communities to do more to protect the environment.
The WEEE Forum is an international association made up of dozens of various e-waste collection schemes that are working together in at least 20 different countries across the globe.
Make Informed Choices About E-Waste
Consumers have a critical part to play in the celebration of International E-Waste Day as everyone has the opportunity to make wise purchases along with disposing of retired electronic equipment in the most sustainable manner. One of the most important things individuals and families can do is be sure to take their electronic waste to certified e-waste recycling locations. Another option is to make pro-active choices to purchase products that have been made from recycled e-waste.
Collect and Recycle Electronics
Schools, community centers, businesses and other groups of concerned citizens can get involved with International E-Waste Day by hosting an electronic equipment drive. Get the community on board by asking folks to bring their old equipment into a central location. Or, even better, provide a pickup service that can help those who are less able to transport them, or for elderly folks who are unsure about exactly how to recycle e-waste. Understand (and Share) More About E-WasteIn 2024, the UN completed a new report to better understand the statistics surrounding e-waste.In celebration of International E-Waste Day, it might be a great idea to read the Global E-Waste Monitor. Collect some important facts that can be shared and then acted upon, beginning with some of these:Vaping, also called disposable e-cigarettes, is a major e-waste contributor and it is getting even worse with the growing marketOne-third of global e-waste comes from small electronics like microwaves, vacuums, “smart” toothbrushes and moreThe average American disposes of more than 45 pounds of e-waste per year – more than almost any other country in the worldRare earth elements are used for technology, but only 1% of the supply comes from recycling