E-waste is a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non-working or obsolete, and have essentially reached the end of their useful life. In 2017, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center recycled 15,710 pounds of e-waste through J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers. In total since 2009, the complex has properly recycled over 15 tons of electronics (computers, laptops, phones, computer accessories, TVs, speakers) plus at least 20 tons of appliances (refrigerators, ice makers, etc.)

According to a December 2017 UN report, the world produced 44.7 million metric tons of electronic waste in 2016 – that is equivalent to the weight of 4,500 Eiffel Towers. Only 20% of all e-waste, or 8.9 million tons, generated last year was documented as properly recycled.  According to the report, most of it ends up at dumpsites or in incinerators. E-waste often contains toxic metals, such as lead, which leach into the environment and pollute soil and water supplies. It also releases toxic fumes, which have major health implications for the often informal waste pickers in low-income countries who dismantle the waste with little, if any, safety equipment. 

 

Only 20 percent of all e-waste, or 8.9 million tonnes, generated last year was documented as properly recycled.  According to the report, most of it ends up at dumpsites or in incinerators

E-waste often contains toxic metals, such as lead, which leach into the environment and pollute soil and water supplies. It also releases toxic fumes, which have major health implications for the often informal waste pickers in low-income countries who dismantle the waste with little, if any, safety equipment.