How to avoid the flood of old mobile phones and waste computers? Experts are calling for upgrades to improve product durability and repairability

Cover News

2024-08-01 22:29Posted on the official account of Sichuan Cover News

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01The United Nations "2024 Digital Economy Report" pointed out that China needs to find a balance between the development of the digital economy and environmental protection, and promote the construction of a circular digital economy.

02Experts said that the green transformation of the circular digital economy is a complex and arduous task, which requires the joint efforts of the government, enterprises and all sectors of society.

03Due to the gradual narrowing of the digital divide and the surge in residents' demand for digital devices, China's digital waste has ranked first in the world, and the growth momentum is rapid.

04To this end, experts put forward suggestions such as strengthening policy guidance and improving regulations, improving product durability and maintainability, strengthening cooperation with the international community, and strengthening skills development and formalization processes.

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Cover News Reporter Ouyang Hongyu

Where do the eliminated computers and mobile phones end up? A United Nations report pointed out that the vast majority of electronic products produced in the world end up in garbage and flow to developing countries, and many developing countries have become electronic "garbage dumps".

In response to the surge of digital-related waste in the wave of global digital transformation, the 2024 Digital Economy Report recently released by the United Nations clearly points out that China needs to find a balance between the development of the digital economy and environmental protection, and promote the construction of a circular digital economy to achieve a harmonious coexistence of economy, society and environment. In this regard, Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, explained that the green transformation of the circular digital economy is a complex and arduous task that requires the joint efforts of the government, enterprises and all sectors of society. "At present, through policy guidance, circular economy, industrial upgrading and other measures to achieve sustainable development of the environment, economy and society, China is gradually exploring a green development path that meets its own national conditions and the requirements of the times."

The composition of e-waste is complex, and more than half of the materials are harmful to humans, and some are even highly toxic. For example, a computer has more than 700 components, half of which contain various toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic, and chromium. Electronic products such as televisions, refrigerators, and mobile phones also contain heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and mercury. Laser printers and photocopiers contain toner, etc. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor report released by the United Nations agency in March this year, a total of 62 million tons of e-waste were generated globally in 2022, of which less than a quarter was recycled.

According to Wang Peng, as one of the world's largest producers and consumers of electronic products, China has the largest amount of digital waste in the world, and it is growing rapidly. "This phenomenon not only reflects the rapid development of digitalization in China, but also exposes the enormous pressure on waste management." According to his analysis, this is because the gradual narrowing of the digital divide and the surge in demand for digital devices by residents have led to a significant increase in the amount of waste.

In addition, the imperfect digital waste management system and the import of e-waste in developed countries are also the reasons for the high amount of digital waste in developing countries.

In this regard, Wang Peng put forward four suggestions. First of all, strengthen policy guidance and improve laws and regulations, especially clarify the responsible subjects and strengthen supervision. At the same time, international experience can be drawn on, such as optimizing the planned scrapping, formulating durability standards, and promoting right-to-repair legislation, so as to promote the efficient use of resources and environmental protection.

From the perspective of economic development, the durability and maintainability of products can be improved through technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and waste generation can be reduced.

In the context of globalization, China is strengthening cooperation with the international community to jointly address the global problem of digital waste. After a complete ban on foreign garbage in 2018, China and 186 participating countries revised the Basel Convention the following year, passing an amendment that would not allow developed countries to transport their plastic waste to developing countries for disposal. "Strengthen the exchange of experience and technical cooperation with other countries to improve the level of domestic waste management and recycling technology." Wang Peng said.

In addition, China needs to strengthen skills development and formalization processes to address the problems existing in the informal waste treatment system. Wang Peng suggested that training and education can be used to improve the skills and working conditions of informal sector workers, reduce health risks, and promote the integration and collaboration between the informal and formal sectors to form a more standardized and efficient waste management system.

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