An industry that's poisoning the world one smartphone at a time
It’s the world’s worst kept secret that technology has built-in obsolescence. The average lifespan of a smartphone is 18 months, meaning that phones that are cutting edge today will be worthless in two years. What happens then to old technology? These products, containing poisonous materials like lead and cadmium, are melted down for raw material like copper. Whatever's left is then left as "e-waste".
The e-waste trade is a lucrative, billion-dollar industry that exploits international regulations at the expense of the environment and human lives. Since the turn of the 21st century, an estimated 300-400 million tonnes of toxic waste are produced annually. Companies, looking to save money, select developing countries as dumping grounds for their e-waste. These countries are targeted due to their cheap labour and minimal regulations regarding health and the environment.
At first glance, it’s a symbiotic business relationship. Firms are given a location to dump the waste produced from their accelerated production of goods, while contractors in developing countries are given an alternative source of revenue. But the reality is that an exploitative industry is willing to do anything if it means saving money.
