Majority of Europe’s electronic waste is improperly handled

New Scientist : According to a new report from the United Nations University and INTERPOL, in 2012 only 35% of Europe’s electronic waste was properly disposed of. Of the remainder, 1.3 million tons were stolen, including functional computer components and precious metals worth some €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion). Another 4.7 million tons were improperly disposed of or illegally traded. Improper disposal of electronics poses a threat to the environment and to public health because of the variety of toxic materials—such as lead, cadmium, and mercury—they contain.