April 18, 2024
grist
| Global | RRR: metals
Solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries need mined metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, lithium, and cobalt that impact ecosystems and communities. Recycling is essential as
a record 62 million tonnes of electronics was thrown out in 2022. 1.6 Mt Al and 0.8 Mt Cu (40%) and 99% of rare earth metals went to dumps. As demand grows, e-waste can be reused.