A United States-based expert in sustainable waste management, Seyi Rachel Dada, has emphasised the urgent need for innovative recycling technologies that prioritize resource recovery and environmental preservation to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) in the country.
Speaking with our correspondent, Dada highlighted the increasing environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal, urging policymakers, industries, and consumers to embrace sustainable solutions.
She noted that with the rapid advancement of technology, electronic waste has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams, leading to severe environmental degradation and public health concerns.
The expert said, “The improper disposal of electronic waste releases hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment, contaminating soil, water, and air. These toxic materials pose significant risks to human health, including respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer.”
She further explained that despite existing recycling efforts, the traditional methods used in processing electronic waste often fail to maximize resource recovery, leading to the loss of valuable materials such as rare earth metals, copper, and gold.
“This is why we must invest in innovative recycling technologies that not only recover valuable resources but also minimize environmental impact.”
Dada noted that countries like Germany, Japan, and Sweden have made significant progress in sustainable e-waste management through advanced recycling technologies, strict regulations, and circular economy initiatives. She emphasized the need for the United States to adopt similar measures to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
“As a global leader in technology consumption, the United States must also lead in sustainable waste management. We need to implement advanced recycling systems that incorporate artificial intelligence, robotics, and chemical recovery processes to efficiently extract valuable materials from e-waste while reducing hazardous emissions,” she added.
She further explained how modern recycling technologies can transform e-waste management by using automated disassembly, precision material separation, and eco-friendly chemical treatments to recover resources with minimal environmental impact.
“This is a global crisis that requires immediate action. Millions of tons of electronic waste are discarded annually, with only a fraction being properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or is shipped to developing countries, where unsafe recycling practices expose vulnerable populations to toxic substances.”
To mitigate these challenges, Dada urged policymakers to establish stricter e-waste regulations, promote extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, and invest in research and development for sustainable recycling solutions.
She also recommended consumer awareness campaigns to encourage responsible e-waste disposal and the adoption of refurbished electronics to reduce overall waste generation.
“E-waste recycling should not just be about disposal; it should be about resource recovery, environmental ⁰protection, and sustainability. We need a systemic shift in how we handle electronic waste, from production to end-of-life management,” she stated.
Dada called on technology companies, policymakers, and consumers to work together in tackling the e-waste crisis, emphasizing that innovative solutions are the key to a greener and more sustainable future.
“The future of sustainable waste management depends on our collective commitment to innovation, policy enforcement, and environmental stewardship. We must act now to protect our planet and future generations,” she concluded.
