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The evolution of consumer electronic waste in the United States

Author

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  • Shahana Althaf
  • Callie W. Babbitt
  • Roger Chen

Abstract

Technological innovation has transformed the role of electronics in education, work, and society. However, rapid adoption and obsolescence of consumer electronics has also led to new concerns about resource consumption and waste management. Past research to address these sustainability challenges has been constrained by data that do not reflect nascent trends in product evolution and consumer adoption, thereby limiting the ability to create and assess proactive solutions. This study presents a dynamic analysis of electronic waste (e‐waste) in the United States using material flow analysis and highly resolved electronic product sales and material composition data. Findings contradict expectations that e‐waste is growing with mobile device proliferation, instead showing that the total mass of the e‐waste stream is actually declining (10% decrease since the estimated peak in 2015) with phase‐out of large, legacy products like cathode ray tube TVs. The evolving material profile of consumer electronics being purchased and disposed sees reduced risks of e‐waste toxicity from hazards like lead and mercury, but greater risks from reliance on scarce metals and product designs that limit recycling. This study highlights concerns that extended producer responsibility regulations currently implemented in many U.S. states for e‐waste management may become less effective if they continue to rely only on mass‐based collection targets. This article met the requirements for a gold‐gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Suggested Citation

  • Shahana Althaf & Callie W. Babbitt & Roger Chen, 2021. "The evolution of consumer electronic waste in the United States," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(3), pages 693-706, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:25:y:2021:i:3:p:693-706
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13074
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Takunda Shabani & Steven Jerie & Timothy Vurayayi Mutekwa & Tapiwa Shabani, 2024. "Electronic Waste: 21st Century Scenario in Zimbabwe—A Review," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 4(2), pages 1269-1284, June.
    2. Ana de Jesus & Minna Lammi & Teresa Domenech & Fedra Vanhuyse & Sandro Mendonça, 2021. "Eco-Innovation Diversity in a Circular Economy: Towards Circular Innovation Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-22, October.
    3. Dongmei Cao & Elmar Puntaier & Fatima Gillani & Dennis Chapman & Sunita Dewitt, 2024. "Towards integrative multi‐stakeholder responsibility for net zero in e‐waste: A systematic literature review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(8), pages 8994-9014, December.
    4. Brown, Rebecca M. & Mirkouei, Amin & Reed, David & Thompson, Vicki, 2023. "Current nature-based biological practices for rare earth elements extraction and recovery: Bioleaching and biosorption," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    5. Dhiya Durani Sofian Azizi & Marlia M. Hanafiah & Kok Sin Woon, 2023. "Material Flow Analysis in WEEE Management for Circular Economy: A Content Review on Applications, Limitations, and Future Outlook," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.
    6. Compagnoni, Marco & Santini, Erica, 2025. "The evolution of the EU electronics market and its impact on direct material consumption: Lessons from the past," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    7. Priore, Riccardo & Compagnoni, Marco & Favot, Marinella, 2025. "Innovation in rare earths recycling: A quantitative and qualitative analysis of patent data," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    8. Alice Frantz Schneider & Margunn Aanestad & Tereza Cristina Carvalho, 2026. "Exploring barriers in the transition toward an established e-waste management system in Brazil: a multiple-case study of the formal sector," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 28(3), pages 6149-6169, March.

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