E-Waste: The World's Fastest Growing Waste Stream

Every October, International E-Waste Day puts a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world: electronic waste. This year, on 14 October 2025, the focus is on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) – the rare, valuable elements hidden inside our tech that are essential for everything from phones to solar panels.

These materials are only mined in a few parts of the world, and demand is increasing fast. Europe has recently committed to sourcing 25% of its CRMs from recycling by 2030. That’s a big step – but to make it work, we need to recover a lot more e-waste and improve the technology to do it.

But here’s the catch: all the recycling infrastructure in the world won’t help if we don’t actually hand over our old electronics.

A study from the WEEE Forum and UNITAR found that the average household owns 74 electronic devices (not even counting lamps!). Out of those, nine are sitting around unused but still working, and four are broken and hoarded. That’s millions of tonnes of potentially valuable resources gathering dust in drawers, cupboards and garages.

What about New Zealand?

Unlike many other developed countries, New Zealand still doesn’t have a national e-waste policy. We're one of the only OECD nations without regulations that hold producers responsible for the electronic waste they create.

That means community action is even more important. By choosing to recycle our old electronics, we help reduce demand for newly mined materials, cut emissions, and keep these resources in circulation. It’s a simple act with big impact.

What can we do about it?

• Be mindful of what you buy - do you need it, can you get a refurbished version, or can you go for analog (i.e. toothbrush over electric toothbrush, clock over digital clock)
• Take care of your electronics so they last longer
• Don’t be so hasty in discarding old technology - can it be repaired? 
• Avoid trends and buying the latest thing if you already have something that fits your needs
• Dispose of electronics correctly - find your local disposal information and be responsible

Not sure where to take your old tech?
Check your local council website for e-waste drop-off points or community collection events.

Worried about your personal data?
Before recycling a device, make sure to wipe all personal information. RNZ has a great guide on how to do this safely: What to do before throwing away old tech