Heavy metals

26 may 2011, London/Brussels

Less than one-third of 60 metals studied have end-of-life recycling rate above 50%; 34 are under 1%

Among recommendations: Boost waste management in developing economies; End hoarding of old phones, other electronic products

Mercury is recognized as a chemical of global concern due to its long-range transport in the atmosphere, its persistence in the environment, its ability to bioaccumulate in ecosystems and its significant negative effect on human health and the environment.