A record 62 million tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2022 – enough to fill a line of 1.5 million massive 40-ton dump trucks that would wrap the Earth at the equator.
Less than a quarter (22.3%) of that e-waste was recycled, and while that percentage is growing, e-waste generation is growing far faster. From 2010 to 2022, the recycling of e-waste rose from 8 billion kg to 13.8 billion kg, while total e-waste grew from 34 billion kg to 62 billion kg.
Simply put: The amount of e-waste generation outpaced the amount recycled by a factor of five. And annual e-waste is projected to reach 82 million tons by 2030.
The figures come from the fourth edition of the respected Global eWaste Monitor report, released in March 2024 by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the International Telecommunication Union. The report spotlights not only the soaring generation of e-waste but also the reasons behind it: Steadily increasing demand for technology products (from personal electronics to IOT devices and the modern computers that drive AI and Bitcoin research); the intentionally short life cycles of many products; and the stagnating pace of countries adopting e-waste regulations.
Together, these trends point to a critical role for the ITAD industry in identifying the challenges presented by today’s business technology users and in building the systems needed for the ITAD and recycling industries to create a robust circular economy for technology.
Given the exponential growth in the generation of e-waste, SK tes is on the front lines in addressing these challenges and continues to invest in technology lifecycle solutions.
SK tes continues to prove itself capable of meeting that challenge. Last year, SK tes processed 101.8 kg of technology equipment, staying on track with the “Decade of Difference” commitment of recycling 1 billion kg by 2030. SK tes is preparing to meet the growth in e-waste volume with investments in new facilities, doubling the size of existing operations in Recklinghausen, Germany, and Seattle, USA. SK tes also unveiled a new flagship ITAD site in the Washington, DC, area designed to meet the growing needs of hyperscale data centers of companies serving the U.S. government.
Two challenges are derived from the global nature of e-waste generation. Because of demand from developing economies and the expansion of homogenized global companies, ITAD providers must not only be global but be capable of offering and maintaining the same standards of service worldwide. They also must be able to navigate the complex, overlapping, and ever-changing landscape of local and international compliance requirements and regulations.
SK tes has the global presence to provide ITAD services in that global environment. SK tes currently provides service to more than 100 countries via its 40 facilities in more than 20 countries making it the largest global network of owned and operated facilities for IT and data center equipment disposition by almost 2X. SK tes continues to expand its global footprint; SK tes recently announced commitments to invest in battery recycling in Japan and a cutting-edge ITAD processing site in Hanoi, Vietnam. The worldwide presence allowed SK tes to deliver for one recent multinational client, securely collecting, testing, purging and repurposing 90,000 IT assets within 12 months.
Closely related to that is the challenge of reporting on sustainability outcomes. SK tes offers clients a single point of contact for a global and standardized process that documents the chain of custody and actions taken, ensuring transparency in reporting. It also utilizes reporting tools that can provide clients with insights into sustainability metrics, so they can track performance and alignment with the company’s strategy. Moreover, SK tes operates with the highest possible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and can assist clients in meeting those standards.
Finally, to be effective for clients managing the escalating scale of e-waste, ITAD companies must meet the challenge of innovation. That means not simply adhering to established processes but aiding clients by proactively developing opportunities to maximize the reuse and repurpose of assets, parts, and commodity materials. SK tes works with clients to identify a full spectrum of solutions that are intended to maximize financial, environmental and social benefits. Assets can be recycled to recover manufacturing-grade materials, but a better solution can be rerouting assets for reuse within your organization or reselling them to another user. With those options, businesses reduce the production of new devices and decrease not only financial expenses but also the environmental impact of emissions and resource extraction in manufacturing.
Clients find that their relationship with SK tes not only meets their needs in the complex reverse logistics of ITAD but also far exceeds expectations. Said a global pharma client: "SK tes masters our processes 100% and applies them in our interests. SK tes is a real partner.” A global OEM notes: “[SK tes is a] "great partner to work with because of high responsiveness, flexibility, competitiveness, ownership and always seeking to collaborate."
As the world undergoes digital transformation and e-waste growth portends crises in environmental degradation and resource depletion, SK tes innovations ensure that businesses can meet their present asset management needs while still protecting the world for generations to come.
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