Digital graveyard poses cyber threat, warns expert

With 700,000 tons of electronic waste discarded annually in Türkiye, cybersecurity and environmental risks are becoming increasingly urgent.

Experts warn that improperly disposing of devices such as smartphones and laptops without securely erasing sensitive data could lead to major cybersecurity breaches.

Growing cybersecurity risks

Ali Riza Oner, Chairman of the Waste Management and Energy from Waste Producers Association (TAYED), stated that 15% of Türkiye’s electronic waste consists of computers and tablets, while 9% is made up of mobile phones.

“When these devices are thrown away without taking the necessary precautions, it is almost inevitable that personal or sensitive information will fall into the hands of malicious individuals,” Oner warned.

He emphasized that consumers often lack easy access to information about how to securely erase data from their devices, which can result in severe privacy breaches.

“Open social media accounts, emails, private photos, and other personal data can all end up in the hands of cybercriminals if not properly wiped,” he added.

Oner recommended selling old electronics to certified refurbishers who can safely erase all data and restore the device to factory settings before reselling it.

“This is the best way to ensure that your data doesn’t turn into a cybersecurity nightmare,” he said.

Environmental impact of electronic waste

Besides cybersecurity concerns, the environmental hazards posed by electronic waste are significant. “When electronics break down, they release toxic substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which pollute the environment,” Oner explained.

These harmful metals enter the food chain and pose serious risks to human health.

He stressed the importance of disposing of old household appliances – both large and small – through certified collection points or authorized recycling facilities.

“In licensed recycling centers, electronic waste is dismantled, shredded, and processed to recover valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and gold. Toxic substances are safely disposed of,” he noted.

Economic impact

Türkiye ranks 17th in the world for electronic waste generation, with 700,000 tons annually. The economic cost of this waste amounts to approximately 1 billion euros each year, Oner revealed.

Globally, the United States tops the list of e-waste producers, generating 7 million tons annually, followed by China with 6 million tons and Japan with 2.5 million tons.

“Recycling electronic waste is not only environmentally crucial but also economically significant,” Oner stated.

“To produce one kilogram of iron, 200 kilograms of rock must be processed, whereas only 2 kilograms of e-waste needs to be processed to yield the same amount of iron. Similarly, 240 million kilograms of ore are needed to produce 1 kilogram of gold, compared to just 100,000 kilograms of electronic waste.”

Urgent need for action

Despite the massive amounts of e-waste generated in Türkiye, the recycling rate remains at just 10%. Oner emphasized the need for increasing public awareness and infrastructure to promote better recycling practices, especially for electronics.

“Electronic waste offers significant opportunities for the economy, and it is critical that we capitalize on it through proper recycling methods,” he concluded.