Background and relevance

A growing proportion of the demand for raw materials is driven by electronics, ranging from smartphones and laptops to smart meters, solar panels and charging infrastructure, which contain critical raw materials (CRMs) of which the extraction is concentrated in just a few countries. At the same time, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the Netherlands, yet a clear picture at city level is lacking.

Research question

What do we know, and what do we not know, about critical raw materials in electronics in Amsterdam, and what does that mean for the city’s policy priorities?

Methodology

The study maps the data landscape. National volume flows of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) have been categorised on the basis of the National (W)EEE Register and the European WEEE model. Although fully determining the composition of critical raw materials (CRMs) in e-waste remains complex, this study does offer guidance based on existing sources. In addition, the environmental costs of a number of CRMs have been calculated using impact factors. For each finding, it is explicitly stated which data is hard data and which is a guiding estimate.

Key Insights

The conclusion is twofold. The volume flows are, broadly speaking, fairly well documented. However, centering on specific materials or products, the data landscape reaches its limits.

The question is not only how much of these critical materials we need, but also which products are most essential. It is important to weigh priorities in case scarcity or conflicts lead to shortages.

This calls for a deliberate, societal ‘priority ladder’ for these materials and the products in which they are used. Reflecting on what this ladder should look like, forces us to make tough choices about which products we consider most important. To structure this effort, this report sets out five knowledge themes that need to be addressed in the future.

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