“In case of conflict between humanity and technology, humanity will win”: this is a famous phrase by Albert Einstein. For some time, however, the expression has raised some doubts. Technology has made advanced economies strong, but it has also created many asymmetries. The electronic conflict, to use Einstein again, is leaving many residues on the field, which humanity must deal with. In fact, more than that are produced every year in the world 50 million tons of electronic waste. They contain critical raw materials whose possession has sparked a trade war that risks destroying strong economies. We must, therefore, change our approach.
Electronic waste: reuse, recycle and maximize recovery
A system that is certainly effective is one that “focuses on reuse, recycling and maximization of recovery of raw materials from decommissioned equipment". Andrea Ballabio, Donato Berardi, Eleonora Trentini, Nicolò Valle and Barbara Zecchin from the laboratory of research Ref.
The report entitled “Management and sustainability of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Europe” claims that the measures taken in EU countries stand out for their heterogeneity. What is happening, in practice? “That we are in a revision phase of Directive 2012/19/EU, which is involving stakeholders through a public consultation”. In a few days - September 22nd - the consultation on electronic waste management will be concluded and the behavior of governments will be better understood. In the meantime, let's make it clear, the accumulation of WEEE waste remains a global challenge because no developed economy will give up information technologies.
The progress and design of machines
“Progress leads to the production and desire for increasingly advanced and accessible devices or equipment, especially electronic ones. This leads to the elimination of what is not considered sufficiently in step with everyday life", we read in the study of Ref. I damage to the environment and people they are incalculable and for this reason already in the production phase of this equipment we need to think about the aftermath. It's not done today. But here too it is a question of developing a different approach from the past.
The trade war on raw materials ago victims where there is poverty. The extraction and refining of new gold, such as gallium, are highly impactful processes. The gallium, in particular, has the highest market share absorbed by the production of electronic components. “To extract it and sell it there are strong emissions into the atmosphere. Recovering these materials means not dispersing them into the environment and worrying about people's health."
“The transition towards a circular economy, the education of citizens, the promotion of remanufacturing, the right to repair and ecodesign are key elements to address this challenge effectively,” the researchers further explain.
Rules to be respected, but…
The European Critical Raw Materials Act is going in the right direction but should be combined – and last – with the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Ref experts believe that this principle is one of the basic economic tools to deal with negative environmental impacts.
There's no point in beating around the bush, as politics often does nonsense: EU rules are a starting point to be able to move forward but it is essential to act on the knowledge and awareness of individuals. In this way the approach becomes holistic with the need for a more effective control system to also combat illegal activities.
“On the other hand, it is fundamental inform citizens to promote a change in individual habits and improve the overall situation" note Andrea Ballabio, Donato Berardi, Eleonora Trentini, Nicolò Valle and Barbara Zecchin. Science is neutral, research helps us understand phenomena, but Einstein was perhaps too optimistic.
