E-Waste and the Telecommunication Industry: A 15-Year Bibliometric Mapping of Research Progress

Abstract

The rapid growth of e-waste resulting from technological advancements in telecommunications has intensified research on efficient management strategies, particularly in recycling, environmental impact, and sustainable disposal methods. To provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, this study employs Bibliometrix and VOSviewer 1.6.20 to graphically map key insights into the telecom sector’s role in e-waste management between 2000 and 2024. The findings reveal that: (1) publications increased exponentially, peaking at 95 in 2024 after nearly doubling from 38 in 2019 to 61 in 2020; (2) Zeng Xianlai emerged as the most influential author, averaging 149.63 citations per article across eight publications; and (3) the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) demonstrated the greatest research influence, followed by the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (128) and the State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control (135.38). Overall, the study underscores the growing urgency of addressing e-waste in telecommunications and emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions to minimize environmental impact and advance the 2030 SDGs