Dive Brief:

• Researchers at StEP compiled 2012 data about the volume of electronic waste developed countries generate, using the findings to create an infographic. 
• According to the chart, the US comes in first place for the greatest amount of e-waste produced by any country, generating 10.4 million tons, followed by China, who produced 8 million tons.
• The chart also depicts the amounts of e-waste produced per person, with the worst offender being the US again: Each person was responsible for producing 66 pounds in a year. Australians generated 56 pounds per capita in second place, while Germany ranks third on the list with 51 pounds of e-waste created per person.

Dive Insight:

The total amount of e-waste generated in 2012 around the globe was recorded at 49 million tons. According to a report released in April 2014 by the Consumer Electronics Association, 620 million pounds of e-waste was recycled in the US in 2013. Although this amount was three times the rate recorded three years earlier, research findings suggest that the rate can be improved.