Latest news with #GlobalE-wasteMonitor
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Economic Times
There is gold in your old phone: New easy 3-step recovery method discovered by scientists
Scientists Discover Safer, Greener Way to Extract Precious Metal from E-Waste As global dependence on technology grows, the world is grappling with a parallel crisis—an overwhelming rise in electronic waste. Driven by fast-paced advancements in AI and internet-based devices, old phones, laptops, and other digital products are being discarded at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced in 2022 alone—an 82% rise from 2010. Projections indicate this number will climb by another 32% by 2030, reaching an estimated 82 million tonnes. This discarded tech poses dual challenges: severe environmental damage and the loss of valuable materials such as gold, silver, and rare earth elements. Despite their worth, only about 1% of the global demand for rare earth materials is currently fulfilled through e-waste recycling. In response to this, a team of researchers has introduced a novel, environmentally safe method for extracting gold from electronic waste—an approach now published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The newly developed method replaces conventional gold recovery techniques—which often involve harsh, toxic chemicals—with a safer and more sustainable alternative. The procedure unfolds in three key stages: Step 1: Dissolving the Gold The gold present in old devices is first dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chemical widely used in water treatment. This process is facilitated by a halide catalyst, which helps oxidize the metal from its solid form. Step 2: Binding the Gold A specially designed polysulfide polymer is then introduced to the solution. This polymer selectively binds to the dissolved gold, separating it from other materials. Step 3: Recovering the Gold Finally, the gold is recovered by either pyrolyzing (heating) or depolymerizing the gold-bound polymer. The recovered gold is of high purity, and the polymer itself can be reused—making the entire method more small-scale gold mining, which can cause environmental degradation and health risks due to mercury and cyanide use, this technique avoids such hazards altogether. The researchers have tested the process successfully not only on electronic waste but also on natural ores and other gold-rich materials, underlining its global e-waste output continues to escalate—equivalent to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks that could circle the Earth—this method offers a tangible solution. It not only extracts valuable resources from discarded gadgets but also promotes a circular economy that encourages reuse and responsible recycling increasing interest from industries and researchers alike, the technique has potential for large-scale application. By turning obsolete electronics into a source of sustainable gold, the innovation could reshape the way the world handles e-waste, reducing both environmental harm and economic loss.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
There is gold in your old phone: New easy 3-step recovery method discovered by scientists
As global dependence on technology grows, the world is grappling with a parallel crisis—an overwhelming rise in electronic waste . Driven by fast-paced advancements in AI and internet-based devices, old phones, laptops, and other digital products are being discarded at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced in 2022 alone—an 82% rise from 2010. Projections indicate this number will climb by another 32% by 2030, reaching an estimated 82 million tonnes. This discarded tech poses dual challenges: severe environmental damage and the loss of valuable materials such as gold, silver, and rare earth elements. Despite their worth, only about 1% of the global demand for rare earth materials is currently fulfilled through e-waste recycling . In response to this, a team of researchers has introduced a novel, environmentally safe method for extracting gold from electronic waste—an approach now published in the journal Nature Sustainability . A Three-Step Process That Turns Waste into Wealth The newly developed method replaces conventional gold recovery techniques—which often involve harsh, toxic chemicals—with a safer and more sustainable alternative. The procedure unfolds in three key stages: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Step 1: Dissolving the Gold The gold present in old devices is first dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chemical widely used in water treatment. This process is facilitated by a halide catalyst, which helps oxidize the metal from its solid form. Step 2: Binding the Gold A specially designed polysulfide polymer is then introduced to the solution. This polymer selectively binds to the dissolved gold, separating it from other materials. Step 3: Recovering the Gold Finally, the gold is recovered by either pyrolyzing (heating) or depolymerizing the gold-bound polymer. The recovered gold is of high purity, and the polymer itself can be reused—making the entire method more sustainable. Sustainable Solution with Large-Scale Potential Unlike small-scale gold mining, which can cause environmental degradation and health risks due to mercury and cyanide use, this technique avoids such hazards altogether. The researchers have tested the process successfully not only on electronic waste but also on natural ores and other gold-rich materials, underlining its versatility. As global e-waste output continues to escalate—equivalent to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks that could circle the Earth—this method offers a tangible solution. It not only extracts valuable resources from discarded gadgets but also promotes a circular economy that encourages reuse and responsible recycling practices. With increasing interest from industries and researchers alike, the technique has potential for large-scale application. By turning obsolete electronics into a source of sustainable gold, the innovation could reshape the way the world handles e-waste, reducing both environmental harm and economic loss.
India.com
4 days ago
- Science
- India.com
Your Old Phone? Its A Gold Mine! Scientists Unveil Easiest Way To Extract Gold Sustainably And Its Going Viral
With the planet confronting a speeding expansion of electronic waste, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery: an alternative, environmentally friendly, and safe way to extract gold from old phones, computers, and other devices. This breakthrough approach, outlined in a Nature Sustainability paper, offers a cleaner solution to the existing, frequently destructive, gold recuperation methods. The age of technology, driven by quick development of AI and internet technologies, is producing e-waste at a shocking pace. In its Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) 2024 report, the UN declared that an astonishing 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced worldwide in 2022, up 82% on 2010. By 2030, the level is set to increase by a further 32% to 82 million tonnes. This mounting mountain of thrown-away electronics destroys the environment while also valuing billions of dollars worth of valuable resources lost forever, with just 1% of world rare earth element demand being fulfilled through recycling of e-waste. A Greener Method Of Gold Recovery The new method provides a potential solution, bypassing harsh chemicals common in conventional gold recovery and minimizing the health and environmental hazards of small-scale gold mining. The process, proven on electronic waste, natural ores, and other gold-bearing materials, consists of three critical steps: Gold Dissolution: Gold is dissolved initially with trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chemical most commonly used as a disinfectant in swimming pools, and activated with a halide catalyst to oxidize the gold in the e-waste. Gold Binding: The newly created polysulfide polymer sorbent is then added. This novel polymer selectively absorbs dissolved gold from the solution. Gold Recovery: The trapped gold is retrieved in very high purity using either pyrolysis (heating) or depolymerization of the gold-bound polymer. The polymer can also be recyclable for reuse, making the technique even more sustainable. This method is an important development towards greener primary and recycled production. Its potential for industrial-scale use could turn waste electronics into valuable material, fostering responsible global e-waste recycling. With the sheer volume of e-waste generated each year still booming—comparable to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks lined up around the equator—this scientific advancement presents a glimmer of hope, converting erstwhile trash into a precious, recoverable treasure.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
How To Extract Gold From Old Phones And Laptops: Scientists Reveal Simple New Method
As the digital age accelerates, the world is facing a mounting challenge: electronic waste. Driven by rapid advancements in AI and internet-based technologies, discarded phones, laptops, and other devices are piling up at an alarming rate. According to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), e-waste is growing five times faster than it is being properly recycled. In 2022 alone, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated-an 82% increase since 2010. This volume is expected to rise another 32%, reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. The discarded devices not only contribute to environmental harm but also represent billions of dollars in lost rare and valuable resources. Shockingly, just 1% of global rare earth element demand is currently met through e-waste recycling. However, scientists have now developed a promising solution. A new, safe, and sustainable method for extracting gold from electronic waste has been published in Nature Sustainability. The technique offers a cleaner alternative to current practices and could also reduce the health and environmental risks linked to small-scale gold mining. The authors of the study offer insight into the method. Here's how it works: Step 1: Gold Dissolution - Gold is first dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, which is activated by a halide catalyst to oxidize gold from e-waste materials. Step 2: Gold Binding - A specially developed polysulfide polymer sorbent is introduced to selectively bind the dissolved gold from the leach solution. Step 3: Gold Recovery - The gold is then recovered in high purity by either pyrolyzing or depolymerizing the polymer that captured it. The newly validated process has proven effective on electronic waste, natural ores, and other gold-containing materials. Unlike traditional mining methods, it avoids the use of harsh chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly and safer alternative. This technique presents a sustainable solution for gold extraction, supporting greener production from both primary and recycled sources. With significant potential for large-scale application, it transforms discarded electronics into valuable resources, promoting responsible e-waste recycling. As e-waste continues to surge-equivalent to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks forming a line around the equator-this breakthrough offers hope. By turning trash into treasure, the method could play a crucial role in global recycling efforts and resource recovery.
The National
05-03-2025
- Business
- The National
Waste is outpacing population growth, requiring urgent action
The issue of how to manage waste is not a new one. Tackling the vast amounts of it that countries generate is a task for no one nation. Global waste is projected to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, growing more than twice as fast as the global population. This points to the urgent need to tackle waste and the challenges of recycling. The shift from a linear to a circular economy continues to dominate the waste management conversation. At the heart of this transition are the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. To measure progress, however, it is crucial to collaborate with international partners and establish metrics and universal baseline measurements to implement a circular economy. Insights from the 2025 edition of the EcoWaste conference held in January in Abu Dhabi underscored the importance of embedding sustainability at the design stage of products and infrastructure to improve the rates of reuse and recycling. In the UAE, projects such as Masdar City are constructed with low-carbon cement and use 90 per cent recycled aluminum. This goes to show how design decisions at an early stage can reduce emissions and increase material reuse. Such efforts reflect the broader objectives of the UAE's Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031, which is a blueprint for sustainable development in the region. On the global stage, the Netherlands is leading the charge in Europe with its commitment to achieving a fully circular economy by 2050. According to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor, annual e-waste generation is projected to increase by 2.6 million tonnes each year, reaching an estimated 82 million tonnes by 2030 – a 33 per cent rise from the 62 million tonnes recorded in 2022. Alarmingly, this growth is occurring five times faster than the documented rates of e-waste recycling. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration to drive innovations in e-waste recycling, such as automated sorting and chemical recycling, to meet the UN's goal of achieving a 60 per cent recycling rate by 2030. The UAE is taking a leading role, with Enviroserve, the region's first integrated e-waste processing hub, capable of recycling up to 39,000 tonnes annually. On the global stage, companies such as Apple are setting examples with scalable solutions like the 'Daisy' robot, which disassembles old devices to recover rare materials. Concepts such as these illustrate how cutting-edge technologies can help tackle the growing e-waste crisis. Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies are key solutions for reducing landfill waste and generating clean energy by converting non-recyclable waste into electricity and heat. In the UAE, Tadweer Group leads the development of the world's most advanced WtE facility, set to process 900,000 tonnes of waste annually and reduce carbon emissions by 1.1 million tonnes a year. This will set new benchmarks for WtE energy in scale, efficiency, and environmental impact. Similarly, the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant processes 300,000 tonnes of waste annually, powering over 28,000 homes, while the Warsan Waste Management Centre can generate 220 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually, which can power 135,000 residential units. Countries such as Sweden have refined WtE processes to the point of importing waste for energy generation. It just highlights how WtE technologies can drive the future of sustainable waste management and clean energy. With traditional waste collection fleets contributing to urban emissions, waste collection systems are being transformed to align with decarbonisation goals. Electric and hybrid waste collection fleets are gaining traction, and biofuels are being explored as viable alternatives to diesel. At last month's EcoWaste conference, the UK's Greater Cambridge councils outlined their innovative approach to decarbonising their refuse collection fleets. Their strategy includes the adoption of electric refuse vehicles, the use of solar-powered depots, and investment in biofuel alternatives to speed up their journey towards net-zero emissions. These initiatives collectively highlight the growing commitment to integrating clean energy solutions into waste management, thus trying to ensure a greener and more sustainable urban future. Importantly, the role of people and public engagement in waste management is evolving from passive awareness to active participation. Part of this change is due to innovative solutions such as reverse vending machines (RVMs), which incentivise recycling by rewarding users for returning bottles and cans. Their adoption has gained momentum globally, and are being used widely across Dubai and Abu Dhabi with more installations anticipated this year. Globally, countries such as Germany and Norway set the benchmark for RVM adoption, achieving recycling rates exceeding 90 per cent. These systems demonstrate the critical role people play in sustainability efforts. Emerging trends such as RVMs – enabled by the Internet of Things – are set to streamline public participation. As we look to 2025, it is clear that addressing the global waste challenge requires a multifaceted approach. Guided by its ambitious Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the UAE leadership in sustainability demonstrates what is possible when innovation, policy and public engagement converge. The World Future Energy Summit and the EcoWaste exhibition point to the nation's efforts to this end. By investing in circular economy strategies, leveraging emerging technologies, and fostering global collaboration, the world can turn waste into opportunity. Tadweer Group, part of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based holding company, is promoting sustainable waste practices and establishing new benchmarks for the circular economy. The company's vision is aimed at revolutionising waste management by unlocking the value of waste. As the sole custodian of waste management in Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group is committed to using advanced technologies and fostering strategic partnerships in support of the UAE's sustainability objectives, working towards its goal of diverting 80 per cent of Abu Dhabi's waste away from landfills by 2030. Besides its commitment to Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group has ambitious international goals. It's striving to make significant contributions to sustainable waste management even beyond the UAE.
