The following report was prepared and published by our sister platform SPEEDA—April 2024.

Industry sectors and businesses are increasingly aligning with circular economy concepts, away from a linear approach. One major area of focus is e-waste: discarded electronic devices such as phones, computers, and TVs as well as their components. Containing hazardous materials, e-waste poses a threat to human health and ecosystems if not properly managed. As per The World Counts, roughly 40 million tons of e-waste is generated annually, accounting for reportedly 70% of overall toxic waste (September 2023). The circular economy-based approach also addresses consumer demand for more affordable alternative ways to fix or replace broken electronic devices. Sustainable e-waste management methods such as ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ help adapt to these changes. In sustainable e-waste management, ‘reduce’ involves repairing, reducing harmful components, and making products last longer. ‘Reuse’ entails refurbishing, repurposing, and reselling/donating. This report focuses on the repair, refurbishment, and recycling of consumer electronics.