Worldwide electronics recycling industry passing through difficult times, says Aurubis

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to copper recycling major Aurubis, the electronics recyclers around the world are passing through extremely difficult times. The statement was made by Aurubis’ Stefan Georg Fuchs while addressing a press gathering during the 2015 International Electronic Recycling Conference (IERC) held in Austria last week.

According to him, the metal content in electronic devices has dropped significantly. Certain modern types of computers and other IT equipment have relatively lesser metal content when compared with older models. Meantime, the cost of collection and recovery have escalated manifold. As a result, many electronics recycling companies are reported to be operating under huge loss. Further, it has led to closure of several e-recycling businesses across the globe.

Aurubis emphasized the need to improve the collection infrastructure and increase the efficiency of collection programmes. This, by itself will bring about radical changes to the current situation, it noted. Moreover, the electronics industry should conduct widespread awareness campaigns among general public across the world, highlighting the importance and necessity of safe and environment-friendly disposal and recycling of electronic equipment.

Meanwhile, a new research report released by Allied Market Research predicts that the global e-waste management market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 23.5% from 2014 to reach $49.4 billion by 2020. Asia Pacific region is likely to report higher e-waste management rates, followed by European region. The US, Canada and Mexico are likely to lag behind in e-waste management programmes.