Solar energy is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. However, the installation of new systems is rapidly being scaled up and may create tremendous amounts of e-waste at the end of their lifespan. Recoverable waste from US solar modules was estimated to be cumulatively $3 to $19 million in 2016 and projected to be worth $450 million by 2030 and $15 billion by 2050.

Dr. Callie Babbitt, Associate Professor, Sustainability at the Golisano Institute of Sustainability at RIT, will present an informative webinar on E-Waste Challenges and Opportunities.

Emerging electronic products have changed the way we work, communicate and socialize. However, this digital transition comes with a high cost to the environment, including mining of scarce minerals, increasing use of electricity during operation, and the question of how to manage these products when they become obsolete. This webinar will overview major trends in electronic waste generation and management in the U.S. over the last 25 years and present forecasted estimates about how this complex waste stream will change in the future as new gadgets are introduced.