Momentum advocates circular economy to address waste woes, emphasizing the need for a shift towards sustainable electronics recycling practices. Momentum advocates circular economy to address waste woes - Times of Malta This approach is important as global definition of e-waste reaches staggering levels-62 million tonnes per year according to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024-and only 22.3% of this waste is formally recycled worldwide.
Last reviewed by Samantha Holloway on 26 May 2026
What Is Momentum Advocating For?
Momentum advocates for a circular economy, focusing on recycling and reusing electronic components rather than discarding them as waste. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of e-waste by promoting sustainable practices in the electronics industry. The goal is to ensure that discarded electronics are treated not as waste but as valuable resources.
According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.
How Does This Affect Electronics Recycling?
This initiative directly impacts electronics recycling by pushing for more efficient and environmentally friendly methods. For example, 1 million smartphones contain approximately 35kg of gold, 340kg of silver, and 15kg of palladium-materials that can be recovered through proper recycling processes. This highlights the economic value in recycling e-waste beyond just environmental benefits.
What Are the Legal Requirements?
Current legal frameworks like the EU WEEE Directive require member states to achieve a collection target of at least 65% of electronics placed on the market, aiming for higher targets by 2030. In the U.S., state laws vary but increasingly mandate recycling programs for e-waste. These regulations encourage companies and consumers alike to participate in responsible disposal practices.
How Can Consumers Participate?
Consumers can support these initiatives by choosing products that adhere to circular economy principles and participating in local recycling schemes. For instance, taking old smartphones or laptops to certified recyclers helps recover valuable materials and reduces landfill waste. Additionally, staying informed about regulations like the WEEE Directive ensures compliance with legal requirements for e-waste disposal.
According to the BankMyCell depreciation tracker, The average smartphone loses 35-45% of its trade-in value within the first year.
What Are Some Practical Steps?
To start making a difference now, individuals can research nearby electronics recycling centers accredited by bodies such as Basel Convention or those adhering to RoHS standards. By doing so, one contributes directly to reducing toxic waste and promoting sustainable practices in the tech industry. Additionally, supporting manufacturers that offer repair services under right-to-repair policies extends product lifespans and reduces demand for new electronic purchases.
What Are Future Trends?
Looking ahead, trends like urban mining-retrieving precious metals from discarded electronics-are expected to grow significantly as material scarcity becomes more pressing. At Momentum advocates circular economy to address waste woes - Times of Malta, initiatives focusing on lithium battery recycling are also set to expand given the projected market size of 2.5 TWh by 2030. These developments highlight the importance of proactive participation in sustainable e-waste management.
By embracing these practices, we can move towards a future where electronics recycling isn't just responsible but economically viable and environmentally sound. For more information on how to recycle specific devices safely and effectively, visit our guides on right-to-repair, circular economy, and urban mining.
Sources
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- BankMyCell depreciation tracker
- UNEP
