The European Commission has already set ambitious targets to increase the recovery of these materials, aiming to recycle at least 70% of construction waste by 2030. Asia, on the other hand, is focusing especially on e-waste. Despite the region being a huge producer of electronic devices, only 12% of e-waste is recovered. Recycling rates vary greatly: while East Asia recovers 20% of its e-waste, South Asia recovers 1%, and Southeast Asia recovers virtually nothing. However, China, Japan, and South Korea are emerging as leaders in this area. Africa has also begun to recognize the value of the resources hidden in municipal waste. Several initiatives, such as the Nairobi Declaration on E-Waste and the Abuja Platform, show that the continent is looking for local solutions to address the growing problem of e-waste.
global demand for materials whatsapp number list will almost double from 89 billion tonnes in 2019 to 167 billion tonnes in 2060. This increase, combined with increased waste generation, will make materials management even more complex and costly. By 2030, it is estimated that the world will need to manage around 82 million tonnes of electronic waste. Faced with this prospect, urban mining becomes increasingly essential.
Another important benefit of urban mining is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Recovering materials directly in cities reduces the need for long-distance transportation, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Additionally, recovering urban waste contributes to greater independence from external resources and creates new job opportunities. Globally, cities such as San Francisco, Sydney, and Singapore are implementing “drop-and-return” programs that incentivize citizens to return e-waste and other recyclables in exchange for financial incentives.