The
Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP) was founded in 2017 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),
the United Nations University – Sustainable Cycles Programme (UNU-SCYCLE), and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA). The GESP is now implemented by ITU and UNITAR-SCYCLE.
The partnership aims to monitor developments of e-waste over time, and to help countries to produce e-waste statistics. The partnership will inform policy makers, industries, academia, media and the general public by enhancing the understanding and interpretation of global e-waste data and its relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 4th edition of the Global E-waste Monitor was launched on 20 March 2024.
The Monitors include up-to-date information on the amounts of e-waste generated and recycled, makes predictions, and provides information on the progress made in terms of policy, legislation and regulation. The e-waste volumes are indicative of the recycling industry’s potential to recover secondary resources, as well as setting environmental targets for detoxification. All Monitors highlight the need for better e-waste data and information for policymakers to track progress, identify the need for action, and to achieve sustainable development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the success of the Global E-waste Monitors, a need was seen to collect detailed data at a regional level to inform decision making and increase understanding of the
e-waste challenge in specific regions. Recognizing this, the GESP through different partnerships, have collaborated with nations to collect information on e-waste statistics, legislation, and e-waste management infrastructure. The aim is to enhance the understanding and interpretation of regional e-waste data, with the goal of facilitating environmentally sound management of e-waste.
