International E-Waste Day 2025: Focus on Critical Raw Materials
Today, 14 October 2025, marks International E-Waste Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the growing challenge of electronic waste, and the opportunities it presents.
This year’s campaign focuses on one of the most pressing global issues: the recovery of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). These essential elements, used in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to solar panels and wind turbines, are key to driving the green and digital transitions.
Why Critical Raw Materials Matter
CRMs such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and palladium are vital components in modern technology. Yet, most are mined in a limited number of countries, making supply chains fragile and heavily dependent on international trade and geopolitics.
Recycling e-waste offers a practical and sustainable solution. Every old phone, laptop, or circuit board contains valuable metals that can be recovered and reused – reducing the need for virgin mining, cutting carbon emissions, and protecting ecosystems from further damage.
The Scale of the Challenge
Globally, more than 60 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated every year, but less than 20% is properly collected and recycled. The remainder often ends up in landfills, exported illegally, or handled through unsafe informal recycling operations.
By recovering and reusing CRMs from discarded electronics, countries can reduce dependence on finite natural resources and help secure the materials needed to build a cleaner, more resilient future.
Driving Sustainable E-Waste Management in the UK
In the UK, proper e-waste management is not just a sustainability goal – it’s a legal requirement under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. Businesses and consumers alike have a responsibility to ensure their discarded electronics are collected, processed, and recycled responsibly.
At Affordable Waste Management, we support companies across the UK in meeting these responsibilities.
Our services cover every stage of electronic waste management, including:
- Secure waste collection and recycling of electrical and IT equipment
- Responsible handling of batteries and components
- Full compliance documentation under WEEE and Duty of Care regulations
- Sustainable recycling through our network of over 200 certified contractors
A Shared Responsibility
International E-Waste Day is a timely reminder that the technology powering our lives comes with an environmental cost – one that we can all help to reduce. By recycling responsibly and recovering critical raw materials, businesses and individuals alike contribute to a truly circular economy.
At Affordable Waste Management, we’re committed to making sustainable waste management simple, transparent, and cost-effective – helping UK organisations play their part in protecting the planet’s most valuable resources.