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As a society, we’re constantly striving for newer electronic devices. Unfortunately, our endless quest for the latest gadget is taking a serious toll on the environment.

Electronic waste, or e-waste for short, encompasses electrical and electronic equipment that’s outdated, unwanted, or broken. And it’s a global issue. Just last year, we produced 50 million metric tonnes of it, according to estimates by the UN Environmental Programme. To put that in perspective, that’s the same weight as 125,000 jumbo jets. Unfortunately, those numbers are only set to increase.

How many old cell phones, computers and VCRs do you have collecting dust at home? With our rapidly changing lifestyles and quickly evolving technology, we feel pressured to purchase the newest technology while discarding our electronics before they become obsolete.

On a global scale, electronic waste clocked in at 45 million tonnes in 2016. Based on a joint study, e-waste for the same year worldwide is comparable to 4,500 Eiffel Towers.