The world is drowning in discarded electronics – from broken phones and laptops to old refrigerators and medical equipment – and only a tiny fraction is being recycled. Now, as electronic waste surges to record levels, more than 180 countries have gathered in Geneva to confront the growing crisis.
The talks, which opened on Monday and will run until 9 May, are being held under the Basel Convention, which controls the movement and disposal of hazardous waste. They will also cover chemical pollution under the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions.
