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Electronic Waste, Globalisation, and ICT Development: Insights from a Global Perspective

Author

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  • Afees Oluwashina Noah

    (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa)

  • Oladipo Olalekan David

    (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa)

Abstract

Globalisation has undoubtedly enabled notable progress in global digitalisation. A digitally connected world is necessary to meet several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, this progress is not without consequences, as the increasing use of electronic devices affects the environment. This issue remains underexplored in previous studies, particularly from regional and global perspectives. With an emphasis on its relationship to globalisation and the advancement of information and communication technologies (ICT), this study examines the widespread concern surrounding the generation of electronic waste (e-waste). The study employs panel dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) using data from 179 countries between 2013 and 2022. Key variables include globalisation and ICT indicators, while the control variables are based on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and IPAT (environmental Impact of Population, Affluence, and Technology) hypotheses. The results indicate that e-waste generation, ICT development, and globalisation interact in a complex manner. The traditional EKC hypothesis is challenged by the finding that mobile phones reduce e-waste, whereas fixed telephone lines and internet usage are associated with increased e-waste. This suggests that environmental degradation may be exacerbated by globalisation as a component of economic growth, indicating that the EKC hypothesis may be overly simplistic for global environmental issues such as e-waste. The positive relationship between internet usage, fixed telephony, and e-waste highlights the necessity of implementing strong recycling initiatives. Conversely, the mitigating effects of mobile phones provide support for the EKC hypothesis in the context of mobile devices, indicating potential reductions in e-waste due to improved waste management and technological advancements. The findings also highlight income inequality among the selected countries, suggesting that many emerging economies have yet to reach the estimated turning point of GDP per capita (US$79,705.88). Based on these findings, the study recommends, among other measures, the development of environmentally sustainable designs for internet and fixed telecommunication equipment, the establishment of extensive recycling infrastructure, and the implementation of regulations related to extended producer responsibility (EPR).

Suggested Citation

  • Afees Oluwashina Noah & Oladipo Olalekan David, 2025. "Electronic Waste, Globalisation, and ICT Development: Insights from a Global Perspective," Virtual Economics, The London Academy of Science and Business, vol. 8(4), pages 82-103, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:aid:journl:v:8:y:2025:i:4:p:82-103
    DOI: 10.34021/ve.2025.08.04(5)
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    References listed on IDEAS

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