Abstract

The growing issue of electronic waste (E-waste), driven by the exponential growth in electronic device usage, presents significant environmental and economic challenges. E-waste production has surged, increasing by ?2 million metric tonnes (Mt) annually, reaching 60 Mt in 2023, with projections suggesting it will exceed 70 Mt by 2030. Despite China, the United States, and India being the top E-waste producers, their recycling rates remain critically low at 16%, 15%, and 1%, respectively. E-waste contains valuable metals, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu), which comprise ?60% of its composition. However, only 17.4% of the global E-waste was appropriately recycled in 2023. This Review discusses the latest data on E-waste, evaluates current metal recovery methods, and emphasizes the urgency of sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental hazards and promote a circular economy. The paper also covers case studies highlighting challenges and potential strategies for enhancing metal recovery efficiency, contributing significantly to global sustainability efforts and waste management. © 2024 American Chemical Society.