When we talk about recycling, a lot of people think about plastics, but there are so many other materials we need to consider too. One of the most pressing issues, both globally and in small islands, is electronic waste (e-waste), which is generated from broken, obsolete, and surplus electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, fridges, and washing machines.

Did you know, for example, there are 15 billion mobile devices in the world, 2 billion computers, and 1.4 billion refrigerators? The rapidly increasing use of electronic equipment has resulted in the increase of e-waste too – in 2019, there were 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) and of this, only 17% was properly collected and recycled. Global e-waste is expected to surge to 74 Mt by 2030.

E-waste contains a range of hazardous materials including heavy metals, flame retardants, and other toxic substances. When incorrectly managed (like just leaving them in a landfill), e-waste will eventually release these toxic substances and contaminate the environment. It is estimated, for example, that 50 tons of mercury are contained in undocumented flows of e-waste annually.

E-waste management is an emerging issue in the Pacific and there are e-waste stockpiles in many countries due to the lack of recycling and disposal options available. Even though electrical and electronic items contain recoverable and valuable components, such as copper, steel and gold, efforts to effectively manage e-waste are often faced with economical, logistical, and technical challenges. There are also legislative challenges – only 78 countries worldwide have adopted a national e-waste policy, legislation or regulation, and none of them are in the Pacific.

It was these discussions that kicked off the third day of the Sustainable Financing for Waste Management Study Tour as participants attended a working breakfast to learn about the Australia New Zealand Recycling Platform to manage e-waste. In particular, participants investigated the ‘mobile e-waste factory’ – a series of 20ft containers with all the equipment necessary to manage and separate e-waste.

‘This discussion was fascinating,’ commented one delegate. ‘The idea of having a mobile e-waste factory is a great. It is simple but so effective. Something like this could really have an impact on small islands – not only is it functional and addresses our growing problem of e-waste, but it also creates employment and builds capacity. It is definitely something we want to start looking at.’

But e-waste wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. Study Tour participants also attended the final day of the Enviro Conference 2022 to continue their exploration of the circular economy. Again a range of topics covered, from how waste reduction can help achieve the 1.5C climate goal, financing the circular economy, recycling of food waste plastics, how container deposit systems contribute to creating a circular economy, and regenerating nature through the circular economy.

‘There’s just been so much information to take in,’ said one delegate. ‘I was particularly interested in finding out how we can apply a lot of these things in our own context – Australia is so far advanced and we have a long journey to get where we need to be. But the takeaway is clear: start small, use the container return system to ensure sustainable financing, get the community involved, and use technology that we’re already familiar with. It’s given us a lot to think about and there’s so much that I can take back with me.’