SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency under the United Nations (UN), the generation of electronic waste has recorded tremendous growth across the globe over the past eight years. The global e-waste generation has grown by 9.2 million metric tons since 2014. This translates to 21% growth over this period.

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The agency warned that these e-waste contains hazardous substances including mercury, cadmium and lead, which are dangerous to human health and environment. Alarmingly, there exists a large volume of e-waste whose destinations are unknown, which means that they were either landfilled, burned or illegally traded. This in turn leads to loss of scarce and invaluable natural materials. As per rough estimates, only around 17.4% of the total generated e-waste is formally collected and recycled.

ITU noted that the regulatory framework for e-waste across the globe continues to remain weak. Only 40% of the world countries have an electronic waste policy to regulate the sector activities. The lack of proper rules and regulations have resulted in e-waste being disposed of carelessly and treated unscientifically.

The improper management of e-waste will also contribute to global warming, ITU said.