Up to 90% of the global electronic waste produced each year - worth nearly $19bn - is illegally traded or dumped, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

 

And the "mountain" of illegal e-waste is exhausting valuable resources and contains hazardous elements which pose a "growing threat" to the environment and human health.

 

UNEP's 'Waste Crimes' report found that the electronics market generates around 41 million tonnes of e-waste a year, of which 60-90% is illegally traded or dumped. Interpol estimates that one tonne of e-waste can be sold at around $500 on the black market, thanks to harvestable precious metals.

 

The UNEP report adds, however, that "innovative solutions to combat illegal and unsustainable handling of e-waste are emerging".

 

For example, new techniques to recover valuable metals locked inside electronic products are becoming more readily available and can help the environment, as well as creating jobs and generating income.

 

Green groups and manufacturers are also focused on reducing the amount of waste in the first place through improved design and more circular business models.

 

However, more concerted government-backed effort would be needed to fully tackle the e-waste issue.