Resources

The extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal of ICT products is associated with a number of environmental, social, and economic externalities.

The extraction and disposal of minerals used in the ICT sector are associated with material toxicity and resource depletion. It is estimated that, although e-waste generated in the ICT sector accounts for only 2% of solid waste streams, it represents 70% of the hazardous waste that ends up in landfill.

The environmental impacts associated with the ICT sector also have a strong impact across the economic and social pillars of sustainability. Material toxicity, for example, can have negative impacts on the health of workers across the supply chain, mainly those involved in mining, smelting, manufacturing, and e-waste handling. Due to the lack of transparency in the ICT supply chain, it is difficult to monitor these activities, which are often also associated with labour rights violations.