Japan aims to recycle 500,000 tons of e-waste by 2030

The Japanese government has partnered with the private sector to establish 10 e-waste recycling centres, aiming to recycle 500,000 tons by 2030.

Plans to invest 30 billion Yen over three years to build facilities like Mitsubishi Materials, JX Advanced Metals, and Hanwa, with cabinet approval expected this month.

Ảnh: Internet

Target of the Japanese government:

The Government also aims to recycle 500,000 tons of e-waste by 2030, a 50% increase from 2020. 

Demand for electronic metals is predicted to rise as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy and digital technology advances. Copper is used in solar panels, offshore wind farm cables, and electric automobiles. Electric car batteries contain metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. 

According to the Japanese Ministry of Finance, copper scrap exports will reach 402,887 tons in 2023, up 10% from the previous year and topping the 400,000-ton mark for the first time in 14 years. 

Furthermore, under laws adopted by Tokyo's Governor, all new residences built after April 2025 must have solar panels to reduce household carbon emissions. This is the primary reason why the demand for solar batteries is expanding. 

In Japan, the panels will be delivered to the facility after they have expired. Using innovative technology, the facility can recycle up to 95% of solar panels. Japan is the leading recycler among OECD nations, reusing around 350,000 tons in 2020. Imported electronic scrap made up around 40% of this total. 

The Basel Convention in 2025:

It will be revised to tighten e-waste export regulations starting in 2025 as Japan's imports decrease. The International Energy Agency predicts global copper demand will reach 30 million tons by 2030 if the world achieves net-zero GHG by 2050.

Source: According to Sustainable Production and Consumption - Ministry of Industry and Trade, "Japan aims to recycle 500,000 tons of electronic waste by 2030" posted on June 4, 2024, see link: http://scp.gov.vn/tin-tuc/t13789/nhat-ban-dat-muc-tieu-tai-che-500-000-tan-rac-thai-dien-tu-vao-nam-2030.html, accessed on June 12, 2024