E-Waste Generator

Fast Facts

The production of new electronics consumes large amounts of energy, contributing to climate change, and requires the extraction and depletion of raw materials, leading to the degradation of ecosystems.
With lifespans lasting only a couple of years for many of these devices, an inordinate amount of waste is produced.
Canada generates a whopping 954 kilotonnes of e-waste annually, a figure that has almost quadrupled in just 20 years. This amounts to 25 kg for every Canadian, three times the global average.
What’s worse, this is expected to rise to 1.2 megatonnes by 2030, or over 31 kg per person.
Electronic products contain hundreds of toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Historically, 90% of this waste has ended up in landfills with only 10% being recycled or recovered.
When dumped in landfills, this toxic waste can leak into the soil and groundwater, harming plants, animals, and even humans.
Worse still, e-waste in landfills can contribute to air pollution, releasing these chemicals into the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gas emissions from electronic devices and their associated waste increased by over 50 percent between 2014 and 2020.
Exposure to these toxins can cause a range of health issues in humans, including neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and various forms of cancer.
With 80% of Canadians having unwanted electronics at home ready to be recycled, properly recycling them would go a long way to solving the growing issue of e-waste.
Just as important is the Right to Repair movement, which advocates for consumers to have the ability to repair their own devices. With widespread implementation, it would drastically help alleviate the growing e-waste problem.

Do One Thing

One of the most effective ways to reduce e-waste is to simply consume less. Before buying a new gadget, consider if you really need it.
Hold off on upgrading your phone and extend its lifespan.
Look for durable electronics that are built to last and are less likely to break down or become obsolete quickly.
Often, it's possible to repair an electronic device rather than replace it. Look for repair shops, or even try fixing it yourself with online guides.
If you no longer need a device, consider selling or donating it to someone who could use it.
Properly discard your unwanted electronics by donating or recycling them.

Bring your used batteries to Arcadia Earth to be properly recycled with Call2Recycle and purchase Panasonic Canada eneloop rechargeable batteries.

Call 2 Recycle

Panasonic Canada

Support One Thing

Donate your unwanted technology to Free Geek Toronto for reuse and recycling.

Free Geek Toronto

Schedule a pickup or drop off your unwanted electronics at EPRA Recycle My Electronics.

EPRA Recycle My Electronics

Sign on to Greenpeace’s petition on supporting the Right to Repair in Canada.

Geenpeace Canada

Donate your unwanted technology to Free Geek Toronto for reuse and recycling.

Free Geek Toronto

Schedule a pickup or drop off your unwanted electronics at EPRA Recycle My Electronics.

EPRA Recycle My Electronics

Sign on to Greenpeace’s petition on supporting the Right to Repair in Canada.

Geenpeace Canada

Learn More

Electronic waste has become a significant environmental issue in recent years. In 2021, human beings discarded an estimated 57.4 million tonnes of electronic waste, outweighing the Great Wall of China, the world's heaviest human construction. More concerning is the projection that global e-waste is set to reach 74 million tonnes by 2030, nearly doubling over a 16-year period.

With the rapid pace of technological advancements, consumers replace their cell phones approximately every two years, substantially contributing to the swelling problem of e-waste. The manufacture of electronic devices requires significant amounts of resources. For instance, the production of just one desktop computer needs at least 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals, and 1.5 tonnes of water. The substantial consumption of these resources underlines the importance of extending the lifespan of our current gadgets as a crucial step towards reducing our environmental footprint.

This environmental crisis also presents a valuable opportunity. E-waste harbors rich reserves of resources such as gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals. In 2019 alone, the estimated worth of global e-waste was a staggering $57 billion, an amount surpassing the annual GDP of several countries. With worldwide smartphone sales surpassing a billion units every year, the proper disposal and recycling of these devices can both mitigate the e-waste issue and tap into an enormous repository of precious materials.

In this light it is important to highlight the Right to Repair. This refers to the principle that consumers should have the legal ability to repair and modify their own devices without facing barriers from manufacturers. It aims to counter restrictive practices by manufacturers that limit repairs to authorized service centers, thereby promoting longevity of products and reducing e-waste. Supporting this initiative would drastically reduce our e-waste for years to come.

About The Artist

Benjamin Von Wong's environmental artistry has garnered global acclaim for its stark portrayal of the challenges facing our planet. Recognized and sought after by nonprofits, businesses, and government bodies alike, his installations amplify the call for sustainability and action. Organizations from Greenpeace and the United Nations to the Government of Canada, as well as industry giants like Dell and Starbucks, have collaborated with Von Wong to leverage his compelling visuals in their changemaking endeavors. Through his impactful work, Von Wong galvanizes communities and industries to envision and craft a sustainable legacy for future generations.

Artist statement: Benjamin Von Wong (@VonWong)

Benjamin Von Wong's colossal "E-Waste Generator" is a stark exploration of technology's dual nature. Crafted from discarded electronics, the installation showcases the captivating allure of technology while highlighting its often-overlooked shadows. Von Wong's aim is to challenge viewers not just to admire but to reflect—on the hidden environmental cost of our digital age, our role within it, and the urgent need for more sustainable design. More than a mere visual masterpiece, this work serves as a poignant call to action, urging viewers to support and champion the Right to Repair. Through this awe-inspiring installation, Von Wong crafts a narrative of hope, suggesting that with awareness and action, a brighter future is within our grasp.