Impact

Our impact by the numbers

The scale of the e-waste challenge demands urgent action. Here is why clean-tech recycling matters.

tonnes of e-waste generated globally in 2022

Source: UNITAR & ITU, 2024

of global e-waste is actually recycled

Source: UNITAR & ITU, 2024

$0B

in resource value lost to landfill every year

Source: UNITAR & ITU, 2024

Field Mapping Data

What we're finding on the ground

Based on 66 verified recycling sites mapped across Sydney. SheRecycles Field Mapping Data, 2026.

Discoverability

Only 1 in 4 recovery points are easy to find

Easy to find

25%

Requires searching

54%

Hidden or hard to find

20%

Accessibility

Only 1 in 4 sites are immediately accessible on arrival

High accessibility

26%

Moderate accessibility

65%

Low accessibility

10%

Staff Awareness

Half of staff couldn't give a clear answer about recycling at their site

Aware & helpful

23%

Unaware

27%

Needed management support

50%

Usability

Only 1 in 4 sites are rated as highly usable in practice

High usability

23%

Moderate usability

65%

Low usability

12%

Source: SheRecycles Field Mapping Data, 2026

Field Evidence

What the data looks like in practice

The field photos show why location, signage, and immediate access matter as much as the recycling infrastructure itself.

Partially obscured battery recovery point beside stacked red baskets and other fixtures — A recovery point can exist and still be easy to miss when it sits outside the normal path of movement.

Large tech and stationery recycling station with clear category labels — Clear category signage reduces uncertainty before people drop off batteries, storage devices, or accessories.

Student-made recycling signage on a campus noticeboard — Student noticeboard testing shows how simple prompts can direct attention toward existing recycling options.

Open multi-stream recycling station showing internal collection buckets — Visible stream separation builds confidence that items are collected intentionally, not just thrown together.

The Challenge

Why clean-tech recycling matters

The transition to renewable energy is creating a new wave of waste that current infrastructure is not designed to handle.

Problem 01

E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream

Global e-waste reached 62 million tonnes in 2022 and is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. The growth rate outpaces recycling infrastructure development in most countries.

Problem 02

Infrastructure not designed for clean-tech

Existing recycling systems were built for traditional waste streams. Solar panels and EV batteries require specialised processing that most facilities cannot provide, leaving materials stranded.

Problem 03

Valuable resources are being lost

Only 22.3% of e-waste is formally recycled. The rest ends up in landfill or informal processing, wasting precious metals, rare earth elements, and other recoverable materials worth billions.

Problem 04

Hazardous materials entering landfill

Batteries and electronics contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and other hazardous substances. Without proper processing, these materials leach into soil and groundwater, creating long-term environmental damage.

Progress

Our journey so far

Follow our latest updates and milestones from the SheRecycles community.

Handmade Complete the Loop recycling poster on a noticeboard

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Designing signage for real recovery locations

Field notes: making recycling visible and usable when people need it.

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Person auditing a recovery point with a clipboard

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Early pilot phase near UNSW

On-the-ground verification of battery and e-waste drop-off services.

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Be part of the solution

Find your nearest drop-off point and help close the loop on clean-tech waste.

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