Nearly 5.3 billion phones will join a hidden mine of e-waste this year

As countries scrutinise mineral supply chains needed to fuel the clean energy transition, one potential source is hiding in junk drawers and trash cans all over the world

As countries scrutinize mineral supply chains needed to fuel the clean energy transition, one potential source is hiding in junk drawers and trash cans all over the world. An estimated 5.3 billion phones will fall out of use this year, according to data from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) for the Global e-Waste Monitor — adding to what researchers call a largely untapped “urban mine” that could be used for new technology like solar panels, wind turbines and electric-vehicle batteries. 
 

While return rates vary by country, globally just 17% of electronic waste is collected and recycled