Electronic Waste- A problem for Irish Households?

New Christmas gifts could be contributing to the growing problem of electronic waste. With old phones, TVs, smartphones, and computers being replaced by their newer models this season.

The United Nations (UN) predicts that by 2030 there will be 74 million tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste globally. This is equivalent to the weight of 496 cruise ships – the size of the Queen Mary 2!

Clear It Waste Removal utilised e-waste data from the Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership and household composition data from the United Nations. The information was used to calculate which of the 39 European countries produce the most E-waste per household.

Which European Country Produces the Most E-Waste Per Household?

Clear It Waste Removal discovered that Norwegians were generating an estimated amount of 57kg per household annually. That is the same weight as six microwave ovens.

The UK is second producing an estimated 55kg of e-waste per year. Considering that there are 27.8 million households in the UK, the collective e-waste in the country could potentially be 1,529,000,000kg – the equivalent weight of 1,274,17 London double-decker buses.

Irish households produce an estimated average of 52.4kg of e-waste every year and therefore are in the third spot. The country’s e-waste is comparable to the weight of five adult bicycles.

In fourth place is Switzerland – the Swiss generate an estimated 51.5kg of e-waste per household. With 3.9 million private households in Switzerland, the overall household e-waste in the country could equate to 200,850,000kg – approximately the same weight as 6974 Apollo 11 Rockets!

Producing the least amount of E-waste per household are the Moldovans generating an estimated average of 11.6kg.

Tips for reducing household e-waste

Clear It Waste Removal has recommended those seeking to reduce their household e-waste to postpone upgrading their electronics for as long as possible stating ‘people frequently upgrade to the latest tech to be on-trend despite their current device working perfectly. Unfortunately, it’s this trend hopping culture which contributes dramatically to the amount of e-waste on our planet.’

If you must upgrade your tech, Clear It Waste Removal has stressed disposing of your e-waste in a specialised e-waste recycling facility or donating/selling your electronics to others. Clear It Waste Removal has also published a handy guide on disposing of your e-waste.