scope:

Recommendation ITU-T L.1031 describes a three-step approach for implementing the e-waste reduction target set-forth in the Connect 2030 Agenda. Step one details guidance on developing an e-waste inventory based on techniques developed by the Basel Convention and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA). Step two contains information on designing e-waste prevention and reduction programmes based on strategies developed by ITU-T and other international organizations. Finally step three outlines the supportive measures required for successfully reaching the Connect 2030 e-waste targets.

The three-step approach described in this Recommendation forms a holistic guideline to reach the e-waste reduction target in the Connect 2030 Agenda. An e-waste inventory establishes the baseline scenario for evaluation and assessment. It classifies e-waste based on existing standards, estimates the amount of e-waste using related metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) and identifies the role of key stakeholders as well as the flow of e-waste among them. This information allows the relevant stakeholder/reader to decide the best approach in developing e-waste prevention and reduction strategies. This Recommendation contains a wide array of prevention and reduction strategies drawing from sources including ITU-T, the UNU and others.

This Recommendation is intended to be utilized by relevant stakeholders to take their first step in addressing Target 3.2 of the Connect 2030 Agenda, that is, to increase the global e-waste recycling rate to 30% by 2023 and Target 3.3 that is to raise the percentage of countries with an e-waste legislation to 50% by 2023.