Based on an annual estimate of approximately 62,000,000, derived from Global E-waste Monitor 2024 (ITU & UNITAR) (2022 data).
169,863
per day
7,077
per hour
117
per minute
1
per second
5,166,666
per month
39,353,122
so far this year (est.)
Putting It in Perspective
The Global E-waste Monitor estimates
7.8 kg
per person each year
across the world in 2022.
This source-reported global average is based on the Monitor's estimated 2022 e-waste generation total.
The world generated an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 — about 170,000 tonnes each day. The Global E-waste Monitor defines this waste stream as discarded electrical and electronic equipment, also called WEEE.
At a Glance
Global e-waste
62 million tonnes/year
Global estimate, 2022
Average per person
7.8 kg/year
Global average, 2022
Formally recycled
22.3%
13.8 million tonnes documented
2030 projection
82 million tonnes
32% above 2022
Key Statistics
E-waste generated
62 million tonnes
Global estimate, 2022
Average per person
7.8 kg/year
Global average, 2022
Formally collected & recycled
22.3%
13.8 million tonnes documented
Projected generation
82 million tonnes
Projected for 2030
In Depth
What counts as e-waste?
E-waste, also called Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), is electrical and electronic equipment discarded by its owner. The Global E-waste Monitor covers equipment such as computers and phones, household appliances, e-bikes and e-scooters, tools, toys, lighting, photovoltaic panels, and heat pumps.
How much e-waste does the average person generate?
The Global E-waste Monitor estimates that 7.8 kg of e-waste was generated per person worldwide in 2022. This is a global average calculated from the report's estimated 62 million-tonne total.
How much e-waste is formally collected and recycled?
In 2022, 13.8 million tonnes of e-waste—22.3% of the global total—was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. This measure is distinct from total e-waste generated.
The documented formal collection and recycling figure does not identify one destination for all remaining e-waste. It should not be read to mean that every item outside the 22.3% is landfilled; e-waste can follow different collection, reuse, recycling, residual-waste, and informal-management routes.
Yes. The Global E-waste Monitor projects global e-waste generation will increase from 62 million tonnes in 2022 to 82 million tonnes in 2030, a projected increase of 32%.
How much e-waste is generated worldwide each year?
The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 estimates that the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022. The figure covers discarded electrical and electronic equipment, also called WEEE.
How much e-waste is generated worldwide each day?
The live counter calculates approximately 169,863 tonnes of e-waste generated per day from the Global E-waste Monitor's 2022 annual estimate—about 170,000 tonnes daily.
What counts as e-waste?
E-waste, also called Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), is electrical and electronic equipment discarded by its owner. The Global E-waste Monitor covers equipment such as computers and phones, household appliances, e-bikes and e-scooters, tools, toys, lighting, photovoltaic panels, and heat pumps.
How much e-waste does the average person generate?
The Global E-waste Monitor estimates that 7.8 kg of e-waste was generated per person worldwide in 2022. This is a global average calculated from the report's estimated 62 million-tonne total.
How much e-waste is formally collected and recycled?
In 2022, 13.8 million tonnes of e-waste—22.3% of the global total—was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. This measure is distinct from total e-waste generated.
What happens to e-waste not formally recycled?
The documented formal collection and recycling figure does not identify one destination for all remaining e-waste. It should not be read to mean that every item outside the 22.3% is landfilled; e-waste can follow different collection, reuse, recycling, residual-waste, and informal-management routes.
Is global e-waste increasing?
Yes. The Global E-waste Monitor projects global e-waste generation will increase from 62 million tonnes in 2022 to 82 million tonnes in 2030, a projected increase of 32%.
Context Beyond the Numbers
The Global E-waste Monitor estimates that 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2022, equivalent to 7.8 kg per person.
Only 22.3% of 2022 e-waste—13.8 million tonnes—was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
The report projects global e-waste generation will reach 82 million tonnes in 2030, 32% above the 2022 total.
E-waste includes discarded electrical and electronic equipment, from phones and computers to household appliances, tools, lighting, and other powered equipment.