With regularly introduced improvements and new technologies, electronics become waste at a faster rate than ever before.

The transition to a circular economy is estimated to represent a $4.5 trillion global growth opportunity by 2030*, while helping to restore our natural systems.

About 90 billion tons of natural resources are extracted each year to support the global economy.

That’s more than 12 tons for every person on the planet, and based on current trends, that number is expected to double by 2050. Currently, only 9% of resources find their way back into products after first use.

Globally, 53 million tons of e-waste were generated in 2020, only 20% of which was properly recycled.

There is no reliable data on exactly what happens to the remaining 80%, but much of it is either landfilled or exported to developing countries where it is improperly processed.

We aim to set the standard for responsible recycling practices for electronics now and in the future.

However, many people do not realize why it is so important to reuse and recycle electronics. For starters, e-waste is the source of about 70% of the toxic heavy metals in landfills. Improper disposal of this e-waste poses serious health risks and long-term environmental damage.

*According to a study by Accenture (2019)
We are proud of our role in
supporting a circular economy
through the responsible
recycling of electronic devices.
Our activity in Romania provides key elements to
support the social, environmental and
economic pillars of sustainability.
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The danger of e-waste

There is now evidence of the harmful health effects of e-waste components affecting the human body. Mercury and lead are two toxic substances present in e-waste that most people know are dangerous for health.

Many less known metals, such as cadmium, a highly toxic metal that is a major hazard to human health, damages the kidneys in particular and can remain in the body for decades.

How are people exposed to toxins in e-waste?

Health risks related to e-waste can result from direct contact with harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, flame retardants or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), from inhalation of toxic fumes, and from the accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and food.

In addition to dangerous components, by not being processed in a controlled environment, e-waste can give rise to several toxic byproducts that can affect human health.
Beriliu
Used in alloys with copper or nickel to make gyroscopes, springs and electrical contacts. Exposure can cause adverse health effects such as acute beryllium disease and lung cancer.
Plumb
Used in printed circuit boards, CRT tube televisions, light bulbs and more, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and reduced fertility.
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
This plastic is mostly used as a coating for computer cables and wires. Acute exposure caused loss of consciousness, lung and kidney irritation, and inhibition of blood clotting.
Seleniu
Selenium is often used in photocells, light meters and solar cells due to its good photovoltaic and photoconductive properties.
Exposure can lead to thinning hair, deformed nails, rashes, skin swelling and severe pain.
bodylines
Cadmiu
Commonly found in batteries, adverse effects include bone fractures, psychological disturbances, cancer, and damage to the reproductive system, central nervous system, immune system, and possibly DNA.
Mercur
Contained in many electronics, including batteries, thermometers and lighting equipment. Inhalation may cause damage to the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys.
Dioxins and furans
Dioxins and furans are released during the burning of cables and plastics. Exposure can affect hormone levels, fetal development and reproductive capacity.
Ignifuge bromurate (BFR)
Commonly used to make materials more flame resistant, BFRs are associated with endocrine, reproductive and behavioral effects.