Unveiling the Gap: Italian Consumers’ Awareness of E-Waste and Carbon Emissions

Swappie, a European company specializing in iPhone refurbishments, has released the findings of a study focused on Italian consumers’ awareness of the impact of carbon dioxide emissions and electronic waste production. The research exposes a significant gap between consumer perception and the actual reality of e-waste generation. Over 80% of respondents believed they produce around 10kg of e-waste annually, whereas the true figure is closer to 20kg per person per year. This disparity underscores the crucial need for greater awareness regarding the scale of discarded electronic devices.

On a global scale, the situation regarding e-waste is concerning, with a United Nations report revealing that 62 million tons were generated in 2022, marking an 82% increase from 2010. Projections suggest a further 32% rise by 2030, reaching a staggering 82 million tons. Despite these alarming statistics, Italian consumers are showing a growing awareness of the issue, with many anticipating e-waste volumes to climb to 75 million tons by 2030, equivalent to discarding approximately 1,000 laptops every second.

Swappie also investigated public understanding of the CO2 emissions generated by a new iPhone in its first year, finding that only 20% of participants accurately estimated the emissions at around 80kg per device, while 60% reckoned emissions were between 25kg and 65kg. Elena Garbujo, Country Manager of Swappie Italia, emphasized the significance of the study’s results in emphasizing the importance of educating the public about e-waste and its detrimental effects on the environment. She noted that consumers are keen to make more informed choices to reduce their environmental impact and that it is crucial for everyone to play a role in making the world a better place.

Swappie is committed to spreading awareness about e-waste and empowering individuals to contribute to a healthier planet by refurbishing used iPhones instead of buying new ones.