By Xavier Hubert, Head of Circular Economy, Global Services & Solutions with contract electronics manufacturer Flex
Responsible management of e-waste is no longer about recycling or disposal. The focus is rapidly shifting from waste management to resource management, and this has both environmental and commercial advantages for business.
E-waste has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. According to the UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), electronic waste, defined as any discarded product with a plug or battery, is increasing at a rate five times faster than documented e-waste recycling, and is set to reach a staggering 82 million tonnes by 2030.
To combat this growing crisis, waste management needs to be integrated into the circular economy, where products are designed with longevity, repairability, and recyclability in mind. This approach ensures that materials can be recovered and reintegrated into the production cycle.
However, a shift in mindset is still required for many companies to prioritise waste diversion and product end-of-life management, over mere disposal or recycling.
Beyond traditional compliance
Manufacturers play a vital role in mitigating e-waste that go well beyond traditional compliance measures to meet regulations. Implementing and optimising waste management strategies for product end-of-life can go a long way to diverting waste from landfill and open up new opportunities for forward thinking companies.
Our goal should be to refine and re-supply raw materials while using low-carbon and non-toxic processes. Additionally, transparency in impact measurement, material traceability, and sustainable methodologies are critical to driving accountability and improvement in e-waste management.
Key steps include:
- Innovating for circularity: Investing in the design of modular and repairable electronics extends product lifecycles and reduces the volume of e-waste generated. While take-back schemes and trade-in programs encourage consumers to return old devices for proper recycling or refurbishment.
- Choosing “best-in-class” materials recovery partners: Manufacturers should collaborate with certified partners who demonstrate high levels of material recovery (90%+), ensuring minimal landfill disposal. These partners must comply with environmental regulations while also striving for performance excellence in material reclamation.
- Internal best practices: Companies can develop internal waste management strategies to efficiently repurpose electronic products, securely destroy them, and provide detailed documentation that conforms to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
By embedding these principles into their operations, manufacturers can significantly reduce e-waste and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
Common pitfalls in waste management
Despite efforts to improve e-waste management, several challenges continue to hinder progress. Avoiding these mistakes and adopting more circular practices can help deliver effective resource management.
Investing in technologies that use innovative, low-carbon, and non-toxic methods can also improve material recovery rates and reduce pollution. In addition, increasing awareness and participation by encouraging consumers to return old their electronics through take-back programmes and offering incentives for recycling supports responsible disposal practices.
Each geographic region has specific e-waste regulations and non-compliance can lead to penalties and poor waste management. Therefore, collaborating with local recyclers ensures adherence to these laws and also supports sustainable practices. With a circular focus products can be designed for durability and repairability, minimising the environmental impact of electronic waste.
Many companies still see the product life cycle conclude with waste disposal as the final step in the process, rather than an opportunity for resource recovery, new revenue stream potential, and even competitive advantage. By extending product lifespans and repurposing components, businesses can recover more financial and environmental value than through recycling alone.
Optimising the process
One of the most effective ways to achieve sustainability in e-waste management is through the well-established model of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Reducing consumption of electronic devices by extending their lifespan, avoiding unnecessary upgrades, and choosing durable, repairable products significantly cuts down on waste.
Reusing electronics through refurbishment, resale, and component recovery ensures that products stay in circulation for as long as possible before being discarded.
Recycling, while a last resort, ensures that materials such as metals, plastics, and rare earth elements are extracted and reintegrated into the manufacturing process, reducing reliance on virgin materials. This holistic approach emphasises that the future isn’t linear, it is circular, and only by closing the loop can we truly manage e-waste effectively.
By addressing these pitfalls and incorporating sustainable practices, manufacturers, businesses, and consumers can work together to transform e-waste management into a responsible and effective resource management system.
An opportunity for regeneration
In an era where AI is reshaping how we work and live, it will also drive an increase in data centre infrastructure and global use of electronics. It is now more essential than ever to shift from traditional waste disposal methods to a circular economy mindset.
This means prioritising resource recovery, adopting best-in-class recycling partnerships, and ensuring full transparency in processes and impact measurement.
As businesses realise the benefits of sustainable practices in extending the life of their products and reducing environmental impact, they are poised to reap the long-term economic benefits and tap into new business models based on reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Sustainability remains a key focus for consumers, investors, and regulators. Companies that optimise resources and reduce waste can boost efficiency and improve their brand reputation. Avoiding pitfalls like treating waste as an endpoint and not prioritising reuse can help the industry make significant strides toward sustainability.
Minimising e-waste and repurposing electronic resources are possible through innovation, partnerships, and sustainable practices. Both businesses and individuals can help transform e-waste into opportunities for regeneration.
