Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity in Research | Krystin Carlson

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a global and growing threat to human and ecosystem health. Due to the high turnover rate of electronics, e-waste is increasing exponentially.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts of e-waste, as higher-income countries often export waste to be recycled or disposed of in these less expensive settings. While this creates much-needed employment opportunities in LMICs, the informal recycling and disposal methods recover only a fraction of potentially recyclable materials. Additionally, e-waste workers and communities are exposed to a myriad of hazardous agents and conditions during this recycling process.

During this all-day public event on April 24, 2018, experts in sustainability, population health, policy, and design processes lead discussions on the complex issues surrounding global production and transportation of electronic waste and its impact on vulnerable communities around the world.