On Point | Podcast
The dirty truth about the global waste trade
Mar 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alexander Clapp, author of 'Waste Wars,' highlights the staggering reality of electronic waste, with Americans discarding over 15 billion pounds annually. He sheds light on the lives of the 'Burner Boys' in Ghana, who face hazardous conditions as they handle toxic e-waste. Clapp exposes the dark side of the global waste trade, revealing its profound health and environmental risks. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and policy reform to combat the exploitation tied to e-waste and plastic pollution worldwide.
44:00
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Quick takeaways
- The alarming growth of electronic waste, projected to reach 81 million tons annually by 2030, underscores the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions.
- The hazardous practices of e-waste processing in Ghana, where locals face severe health risks, reveal the exploitation and environmental degradation inherent in the global waste trade.
Deep dives
The Growing Crisis of Electronic Waste
Humanity is projected to produce over 81 million tons of electronic waste annually by 2030, which equates to an astounding 162 billion pounds. This figure highlights the rapid increase in discarded electronics, with the amount generated in 2021 already being equivalent to the weight of the Great Wall of China. The role of the United States in this crisis is significant, as it ranks as the second-largest producer of e-waste globally, following China. Alarmingly, only 15% of this waste is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or incineration, often shipped overseas, thus highlighting a dire need for more sustainable waste management practices.
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