The world emits over 40 million tons of electronic waste in 2014

A United Nations report published on April 19 shows that electrical and electronic waste rose to record highs in 2014.

Warning about electronic and electronic waste in the world

Notably, high levels of electrical and electronic waste per capita are recorded in countries that are proud of their environmental awareness.

In particular, in 2014, there were 41.8 million tons of electronic waste - mainly refrigerators, washing machines and other household appliances expired - abandoned, according to UN University reports. , UN education and research branch.

That equates to 1.15 million heavy trucks, forming a row of up to 23,000 km, the report said, and less than one-sixth of the total waste is adequately recycled.

In 2013, the total amount of electronic waste was recorded at 39.8 million tons, and according to the current trend, the corresponding figure could reach 50 million tons in 2018.

Top of the per capita waste list last year was Norway with 28.4 kg, then to Switzerland with 26.3 kg, Iceland - 26.1 kg, Denmark - 24 kg, England - 23.5 kg; Netherlands - 23.4 kg; Sweden - 22.3 kg; France - 22.2 kg, America and Australia reached 22.1 kg.

The region with the lowest per capita waste volume is Africa , with only 1.7 kg. The continent disposed of a total of 1.9 million tons of garbage.

In terms of volume, the United States and China are the two countries with the most waste . These two countries account for a total of 32% of the world's total electronic waste, then to Japan, Germany and India.

The amount of waste that can be recovered and recycled is worth $ 52 billion, including 300 tons of gold, equivalent to 11% of the world's gold production in 2013.

But it also includes 2.2 million tons of toxic lead compounds, along with mercury, cadmium, and chromium, and 4,000 tons of chlorofluorocarbon gas (CFC) damaging the ozone layer.

' Globally, electronic waste constitutes a valuable " urban mine " , a potential repositories of recycled materials. At the same time, dangerous levels of e-waste also create a "toxic mine" that needs to be extremely carefully managed , "said UN Deputy Secretary-General David Malone.

Nearly 60% of electronic waste by weight comes from kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, and 7% is created by mobile phones, personal computers and printers.