Costa Rica vs South America: Electronic waste generated
Costa Rica
81,000 tonnes
in 2023
South America
4.75 million tonnes
in 2025
Costa Rica rank
15th
South America rank
8th
Electronic waste generated over time
- Costa Rica
- South America
How they compare
South America currently reports 4.75 million tonnes against 81,000 tonnes in Costa Rica, a difference of 4.66 million tonnes.
That makes South America's figure about 58.6 times Costa Rica's.
Across all 14 years both countries report, South America has been ahead every year.
Costa Rica ranks 15th and South America ranks 8th of 23 countries.
South America has averaged higher in every one of the 2 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | Costa Rica | South America | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 57,683 tonnes | 3.18 million tonnes | 3.12 million tonnes | South America |
| 2020s | 71,310 tonnes | 4.35 million tonnes | 4.28 million tonnes | South America |
Averages of every year both report within each decade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has higher electronic waste generated, Costa Rica or South America?
- South America, at 4.75 million tonnes against 81,000 tonnes in Costa Rica as of 2025.
- What is the difference in electronic waste generated between Costa Rica and South America?
- 4.66 million tonnes, with South America ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for Costa Rica and South America?
- 14 years are reported by both, from 2010 to 2023.
- How do Costa Rica and South America rank globally for electronic waste generated?
- Costa Rica ranks 15th and South America ranks 8th of 23 countries.
- Where does this data come from?
- United Nations Statistics Division, SDG Global Database, published as Electronic waste generated (Tonnes). Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.