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Australians Drowning in E-Waste: Urgent Call to Recycle Old Devices
16 Nov
Summary
- Australia produces 580,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, 3 times global average
- 23 million unused mobile phones sit idle in Australian homes, 13 million unusable
- Recycling e-waste is crucial to build a more circular economy
As of November 16th, 2025, Australia's e-waste crisis has reached alarming levels. The country is generating 580,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually, nearly three times the global average. This staggering figure is expected to rise further as planned obsolescence, advancing technology, and genuine malfunctions continue to drive the rapid turnover of electronic devices.
Compounding the issue, an estimated 23 million mobile phones currently sit idle in Australian homes, with around 13 million of them being completely unusable. This represents a significant untapped resource that could be recycled and repurposed to support a more circular economy.
Experts emphasize the importance of proper e-waste disposal and recycling. Anne Stonier from the Australia New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) states, "It's the fastest growing waste stream but it's also the most valuable. By recycling it, you're making sure it is being properly managed. You're helping create a more circular economy."
