Latin America buys lots of electronic gadgets but struggles with the trash they create. Countries across the region lack proper rules for handling old phones, computers and other devices. This creates major problems for the environment and people's health.
Electronic waste jumped 49 percent between 2010 and 2019 across Latin America. Each person throws away about 15 pounds of gadgets per year compared to just 10 pounds before. Brazil and Mexico lead with 22 to 24 pounds per person annually. Countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru average around 18 to 20 pounds each.
The region only recycles 3 percent of electronic waste properly. Workers often take apart old devices without protection from dangerous chemicals like lead and mercury. These toxic materials leak into water, soil and air when devices end up in regular dumps.
Carmen Gloria Ide leads an environmental group and warns about the crisis. She says poor recycling wastes valuable metals like gold, silver and copper that could be reused. One ton of electronic waste contains thousands of dollars worth of these materials.
Eleven countries have laws making companies responsible for their products after people buy them. Chile and Brazil have the strongest rules about recycling requirements. Other nations like Colombia, Mexico and Argentina have some regulations but need better nationwide systems. Experts want more money invested in recycling plants and better education about electronic waste dangers.
Electronic waste jumped 49 percent between 2010 and 2019 across Latin America. Each person throws away about 15 pounds of gadgets per year compared to just 10 pounds before. Brazil and Mexico lead with 22 to 24 pounds per person annually. Countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru average around 18 to 20 pounds each.
The region only recycles 3 percent of electronic waste properly. Workers often take apart old devices without protection from dangerous chemicals like lead and mercury. These toxic materials leak into water, soil and air when devices end up in regular dumps.
Carmen Gloria Ide leads an environmental group and warns about the crisis. She says poor recycling wastes valuable metals like gold, silver and copper that could be reused. One ton of electronic waste contains thousands of dollars worth of these materials.
Eleven countries have laws making companies responsible for their products after people buy them. Chile and Brazil have the strongest rules about recycling requirements. Other nations like Colombia, Mexico and Argentina have some regulations but need better nationwide systems. Experts want more money invested in recycling plants and better education about electronic waste dangers.
