The modern lifestyle of a growing number of people living on the planet increasingly relies on electric and electronic equipment (EEE). The use of information and communications technologies (ICT) can contribute to achieving some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and enable a transition to a more efficient use of resources, which can engender key societal benefits.
The GSMA and the United Nations University launched the report “eWaste in Latin America: Statistical analysis and policy recommendations”, which reveals the latest regional data on electronic waste. Latin America produced nine per cent of the world’s e-waste in 2014, amounting to 3,900 kilotonnes (kt). In the next four years the e-waste generated in the region will grow five to seven per cent annually, reaching almost 4,800kt by 2018.
The average e-waste generated in Latin America in 2014 was 6.6kg per person. Most electronic waste in the region is generated in Brazil and Mexico, which, because of their large populations, respectively produced 1,400kt and 1,000kt of e-waste in 2014. They were followed by Argentina (292kt), Colombia (252kt), Venezuela (233kt), Chile (176kt) and Peru (147kt).
However, e-waste generated from mobile devices accounts for less than 0.5 per cent of the total weight of the world’s e-waste, and this proportion is the same in Latin America.
Public policy recommendations
The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability has provided a series of public policy recommendations to take into account for developing e-waste management regulatory frameworks in the region:
Only a few countries in Latin America currently have specific laws on e-waste management in place and, in general, the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility is not being implemented. In most cases, e-waste management is regulated under general hazardous waste legislation, and specific public policy bills or technical guidelines are being discussed, going through the legislative process or being implemented.
Mobile operator initiatives for managing e-waste
Although in many cases there is no specific legislation or proper management, the Latin American mobile industry conducts voluntary e-waste management campaigns and initiatives as part of its corporate social responsibility programmes.
Regional mobile operators are developing reverse logistics schemes for collecting, storing, categorising and disposing of e-waste. At the same time, they are involved in other initiatives such as investing in recycling programmes and plants, conducting reforestation activities and heading awareness campaigns.
The GSMA report “eWaste in Latin America: the contribution of mobile operators in reducing electronic waste” highlights success stories of e-waste from regional industry.
Energy efficiency in the mobile networks
With global energy spending by mobile operators standing at $15 billion a year, energy efficiency is increasingly seen as a strategic priority. As mobile use increases, so does the demand for energy, particularly by network infrastructure.
Reducing carbon emissions is also becoming a priority in the mobile industry. In this context, the GSMA launched the Mobile Energy Efficiency (MEE) initiative to help operators measure and monitor the relative efficiency of their networks. This service identifies underperforming networks and quantifies the potential efficiency gains available, which are typically 10-25 per cent across an operator’s portfolio. Carbon emissions are also benchmarked if requested.
Success stories have already been seen in Latin America:
• Telefónica Uruguay saves US$ 5.4 million with free cooling
• Next generation power saving technology shows expected annual cost savings of US$ 1.4 million for Digicel Jamaica
To date, more than 40 mobile network operators have taken part in the benchmarking, accounting for more than 200 networks in 160 countries and more than 50 per cent of global mobile subscribers.
Electronic Waste
To view the report by the United Nations University and the GSMA with the latest data on eWaste in Latin America and Public Policy Recommendations, click Here.
#BetterFuture
The mobile industry is helping to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
For more information, click Here
Mobile for Development Utilities
The mission of the GSMA Mobile for Development Utilities programme is to unlock commercially sustainable business models that leverage mobile technology to deliver affordable and improved energy, water and sanitation services in emerging markets.
Download the report “Beyond coverage: The opportunity for mobile operators to improve access to energy in Latin America”
Download the report “Improving energy management in Brazil: Eletrobras partners with Telefonica Vivo”
Energy Efficiency in Mobile Networks
While mobile technology continues to exist, the demand for energy increases, particularly by network infrastructure. To help mobile operators lower their energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the GSMA has set up the Mobile Energy Efficiency (MEE) Programme and its benchmarking and optimisation services.
For more information, click Here
As part of the GSMA’s “We Care” campaign, mobile operators in Mexico and Colombia have launched initiatives for e-waste management. Find out more Here.