Levels of e-waste soar in Asia as gadgets become affordable, UN says

Amount of electronic waste up 63% in five years, with China's more than doubling, United Nations University report finds

Levels of electronic waste are rising sharply across Asia, as higher incomes mean hundreds of millions of people can afford smartphones and other gadgets, according to a UN study.

The amount of e-waste in Asia has risen by 63% in five years, a report by United Nations University said, warning of the need to improve recycling and disposal methods across the region to prevent serious environmental and health consequences.