What Could Be Done?
What can be done to help reduce the e-waste epidemic? While most of the major steps to solve the main problems require the companies themselves to change, there are some things that the average person can do to reduce e-waste.
Reusing and Recycling
One of the major things individuals can do is to both avoid throwing out electronics and buying new(where appropriate). When buying electronics, one should first consider whether or not it would be possible to buy used. In many situations, it can actually be better, especially with computers, if you can verify functionality or buy on a reputable platform (like eBay). By buying used, you both save something from being scrapped and from a new device being sold. However, buying products used can be risky, and often is not the right choice if you are unable to do it through a trusted platform/seller.
Recycling is also a great option for old electronics. While not as effective as reusing/reselling, it's much better than throwing stuff away. E-waste should be given to known recyclers though, to ensure it is actually recycled and not shipped off to another country.
Considering Repairability
Considering the repairability of products you buy can also help reduce the amount of e-waste that you produce. By ensuring that you buy easily repairable electronics, you can keep devices for longer, reducing the number you need to recycle. Some tools you can use to measure the repairability of products include iFixit's smartphone repairability scores, the French Repair Index, and third party reviews. Some companies are trying to make devices user-repairable as well, like Framework with their modular laptops and Fairphone with modular phones. These particular devices do come with downsides, unfortunately(Frameworks are more expensive, Fairphones only have an IP55 rating).
Using Devices for Longer
By using your devices for longer and only upgrading when you deem necessary, you further reduce the amount of e-waste you create. Unfortunately, many devices (especially smartphones), have limited software support, usually around 3 to 5 years. Researching what software support will be like before buying devices can help you keep them for as long as possible.
What Could Companies Do?
The major change would occur by companies changing their ways, and designing products around repairability, software around compatility, and focusing on using recycled materials. If the majority of larger companies in technology today make devices that can be repaired easily and have extended support, that alone would majorily cut down on the amount of e-waste that exists today. A good example of this that was stated above was Fairphone, who makes devices that can be easily repaired by mostly anyone. Companies also aiming on recycling will help reduce the amount of new material being processed, as well as reduce the amount of total e-waste.