How to reduce e-waste in telecommunications?
According to the Global E-waste Monitor, the estimated value of metals contained in e-waste is $91 billion, of which $19 billion is copper alone. At the heart of the e-waste problem lies a deep-rooted culture of landfilling, driven by convenience and a lack of awareness of proper disposal methods. What can telecom companies do to solve this problem?
In 2022, a record 62 million tons of e-waste were produced. This is data from the UN Global e-waste monitor 2024 report. The amount of e-waste has increased by as much as 82 percent since 2010. Only less than a quarter of this mass has been documented as properly collected and recycled. It's no surprise that the amount of e-waste will continue to grow. Unless urgent action is taken, it is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030.
May 17 was designated by the United Nations as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. This is a good time to reflect on how the telecommunications sector can have an impact on halting the growth of e-waste.
The challenges of e-waste in telecommunications
Telecommunications equipment, including network equipment, antennas and cables, contribute significantly to e-waste. As newer, more efficient systems are deployed, older — though still serviceable — equipment is often thrown out.
Incorrect recycling directly affects the environment and human health. Burning or storing e-waste releases harmful toxins and pollutants into the environment, polluting soil, water and air. Substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium found in electronic devices can enter the ecosystem, harming human health and nature.
Moreover, inefficient recycling of e-waste results in the loss of valuable resources. Many electronic components contain precious metals such as gold, silver and copper that can be recovered and reused. However, without adequate infrastructure and recycling processes, these resources are often lost or underutilized. According to a study by the Global E-waste Monitor, the estimated value of metals contained in e-waste is $91 billion, of which $19 billion is copper alone.
At the heart of the e-waste problem lies a deep-rooted culture of landfilling, driven by convenience and a lack of awareness of proper disposal methods. What can telecom companies do to solve this problem?
Designing products with sustainability in mind
The implementation by governments of strict regulations is intended to force telecommunications companies to adopt sustainable practices in the design, manufacture and disposal of products. For example, by introducing USB Type-C as the standard charger for most portable electronic devices (by the end of 2024), the European Union aims to reduce the amount of electronic waste resulting from the incompatibility of different types of chargers.
Positive changes towards a more sustainable industry begin at the product design stage. Modularization and the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices. The modular design allows for easier disassembly and replacement of components, extending the life of products and facilitating repair and recycling.
Likewise, the choice of recyclable or biodegradable materials facilitates environmentally friendly disposal. Integrating sustainability into design helps telecoms companies support a circular economy and reduce their environmental impact.
Recycling Programs
Telecom companies can also propose initiatives for consumers that aim to dispose of old devices responsibly. Incentives such as discounts or free recycling services promote responsible e-waste management.
Working with certified recycling facilities ensures proper processing, maximizing resource recovery and minimizing damage to the environment. Effective recycling programs contribute to a more sustainable circular economy by closing the loop of the product life cycle.
Universal optical modules
Changes in the approach to e-waste take time. It is a question of implementing legal regulations and influencing consumer behavior. However, there are other, short-term actions that the telecom industry can take right now. Universal optical modules, for example, are a promising solution for reducing e-waste. They guarantee a smooth connection to network devices of different brands, eliminating common compatibility problems.
By implementing universal modules, telecom companies can streamline their infrastructure, reducing the number of devices in storage and minimizing the need for frequent upgrades or replacement. The ability to repeatedly reprogram the modules, prolongs the life of the equipment and reduces the amount of e-waste.
Salumanus recently released a new version of GBC Photonics Smart Recode Device (SRD) optical module programmer. SRD 5 introduces the ability to encode advanced interfaces such as OSFP (400G/800G/1.6T), QSFP-DD (400G/800G), and SFP-DD (100G). The device is supported by a private cloud with a constantly updated compatibility database. Of course, SRD 5 also supports previous module generations such as SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28.
Designed for a variety of engineering environments, the SRD 5 offers a wide range of power options, from traditional power supplies to power banks to USB-C power, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in areas with limited access to power sources. By giving up slots for older interfaces, it was also possible to significantly reduce the size of the device.
Joint Effort
Solving the e-waste problem in the telecommunications industry requires a multi-faceted approach involving product design, recycling programs and the adoption of innovative technologies such as universal modules. The adoption of these strategies represents a concerted effort to minimise the environmental impact of the telecommunications sector, while promoting innovation and sustainability.