Sorry, Davos: e-waste is a tragedy, not an opportunity
Framing e-waste as an opportunity overlooks the violence that it inflicts on everyone. Also: Michigan may be the next in line for ag right to repair. And: EU Commission seeks right to repair bikes.
In 2023, it is estimated that “over 347 million metric tonnes of electronic garbage will [have been] created globally that will not be recycled.” Not pounds or kilos. Tons.
There is no way to fully appreciate the harm that will come to people, and the ecological systems that sustain us with a number that large. No matter how you slice it, the figure is devastating. Devastating for the people around the world who will be dealing with the pollution, those who will be forced to mine and extract the raw materials in inhumane conditions for our newer modeled devices, and for the countless other disasters that will continue to mount in the face of our economic system’s relentless consumption.
This figure, however, is not devastating to some. The World Economic Forum (WEF), which presents itself as the hub of rational and “smart” policies, claimed that e-waste is in fact not a problem—it’s a financial opportunity. And 347 millions tons of e-waste sends a positive message: ‘business is booming!’ (Woot?!)
Of course, the WEF is not the only peddler of these ideas. More and more we see savvy marketers and centrist policy-thinkers talk about the vast opportunity of e-waste. Their idea is fairly simple and seemingly a mid 21st century application of “when life gives you lemons” philosophy. In other words: since we have so much e-waste, why not use it to grow the economy in new ways? ‘Yes,’ e-waste is a problem, but if we use smart business tactics and policies, we can turn things around!
These evangelists of techno-optimism believe that if we get enough smart people (read: Davos WEF elites who are _much_ smarter than you or I), their innovative ideas will solve the problem. Whether its improved product design, bio-engineered rare earth metal-eating bacteria, recycling robots, or AI, something down the line can solve the hairy e-waste problem.
A Davos Come Down
Step down from the lofty heights of Davos and its crisp mountain air, however, and the picture is far less encouraging. In the U.S. the average family produces 115 pounds of e-waste every year - adding up to 6.9 million tons annually, according to data from US PIRG. In the meantime, the federal government’s efforts to combat the problem are stalled. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) page on the e-waste problem is a time capsule, referencing initiatives and events from the Obama Administration. The most recent development noted there? EPA’s participation in the launch of the UNIDO-GEF project in 2019.
And locally, things are getting worse not better. Last month, Jack’s multi-unit apartment building silently removed the recycling bins from their trash room—in a city that has a recycling rate of 8%. As many have observed: America’s “blue bin” approach to recycling is dated, broken and largely premised on industry-funded false premises, like the idea that most plastic is recyclable. Personally, if we haven’t perfected the recycling of plastic bottles, excuse me for being skeptical that the toxic, varied and highly complex components of circuit boards and electronics will be easier to deal with.
Repair, however…
Repair, however? Now that’s something to get excited about. It can be seen as a fuel of other industries. It minimizes the violence that endless consumption has on all of us. Our production has consequences both to us and others, but repair is a place where we can heal both the planet plus our ideas about disposability. Whether through policy or community-led initiatives, repair brings us closer to the reality that objects shouldn’t be disposable.
As PIRG noted in its report, Repair Saves Families Big from last year:
“Repair makes our communities more resilient. Instead of relying on the global supply chain to bring a never-ending supply of new stuff, repair helps us keep devices going using only local resources. A robust repair ecosystem with more people in our neighborhoods working repair jobs, results in lower repair costs quicker and service… The money people do spend on repair circulates locally, rather than being sent to manufacturing operations across the country or, more likely, overseas.”
The dangerous logic of WEF’s “e-waste as an opportunity” is to assume that we can keep on going along as we have been: extracting, producing, and disposing electronics with abandon. And the Davos elites want to assure us they can magically close the loop and create a burgeoning circular economy with the help of… well … TBD. (But let’s talk about it at over champagne and caviar tonight. I’m sure we can solve the problem!)
The coming circular economy: cui bono?
Except that it won’t work that way. Achieving a true circular economy will require massive changes and reforms up and down the economic ladder - not business as usual with a tech-enabled Hollywood ending.
Among the most important and needed reforms are those for the workers who are placed in physically and economically precarious positions so that electronics consumption can continue to grow, but who don’t currently share in the profits of our growing non-circular economy. That includes children who in many countries can be found sifting through our e-waste by hand.
So who will benefit in the circular economy to come? As things stand: the same types of people at the WEF who are proposing we expand this circular economy fueled by smart solutions created by them. But let’s hope that their voices and ideas aren’t the only ones in the room when the time comes to make real change happen.
Other News
Michigan might be the next state to take on democratizing the repair of agricultural equipment* which can be both costly to repair and extremely consequential for their users, NPR reports. Michigan is throwing its hat into the ring after Colorado got the ball rolling. Michigan’s Democratic Rep. Reggie Miller introduced the bill last year. “When they’re out in the field, when they’re in that combine, and it breaks down, and they have a short window to get that crop out, it can be devastating. It could cost them tens of thousands of dollars,” Miller told Michigan Public Radio.
John Deere partners with Space X to connect Ag equipment John Deere has partnered with SpaceX to provide satellite communications (SATCOM) to farmers, the companies announced. The partnership will utilize SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet constellation to address rural connectivity challenges in agriculture. It will connect both new and existing farming equipment through satellite internet service and ruggedized satellite terminals. Elon Musk expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its benefits for farmers. John Deere dealers will install ruggedized Starlink terminals and 4G LTE JDLink modems on compatible machines to activate the solution.
Schools and universities are crucial for teaching repair says The Open Source Advocate. Whether by funding research or making it a priority in coursework, schools can work with students to make repair a more universal and appreciated practice across disciplines.
EU Commission extends 'right to repair' regulation to include bicycles, bike-eu reports. Members of European parliament (MEPs) adopted measures to promote product repairs over buying new ones. The goal is to support independent repair markets and prevent manufacturers from obstructing repairs.
Framework, the maker of repairable laptops, has been hacked. A report says customer information including emails have been stolen as part of the data breach.
Will closed ecosystem devices soon be a thing of the past? The right to repair movement is gaining traction, challenging closed ecosystem practices in various industries, including technology, agriculture, healthcare, and automotive. As the movement gains momentum, the emerging legal rights of consumers to fix their own appliances, devices and equipment without relying solely on manufacturers and authorized repair providers could threaten the closed ecosystem practices of many industries, including those in the tech space.
Electronics spare parts and repair markets are booming. As new laws and regulations encouraging repair and reuse take hold, the market for spare parts and repair services is booming, EPS News reports. Consumers are increasingly opting to repair and extend the lifespan of electronic devices, especially smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. At the same time, manufacturers like Apple and Google are extending software support for their devices, while consumers come to realize that older devices can still perform well with repairs, reducing the need for constant replacements. Distributors have opportunities in the growing repair market, especially for sourcing electronic components.
(*) Editor’s note: an earlier version of this post mistakenly identified the proposed Michigan right to repair legislation as applying to powered wheelchairs. It would apply to agricultural equipment.