E-waste market advances 10% in 2010; growth expected through decade

E-waste Recycling  |  2011-12-09 07:16:32   |   By

Purchases of electronic products are on the rise in some regions dramatically, and as old E&E items become obsolete at an accelerated rate, growth in the e-waste R&R services industry is being spurred by the ever-increasing amounts of e-waste being created around the world.

NEW YORK (Scrap Monster): Purchases of electronic products are on the rise in some regions dramatically, and as old E&E items become obsolete at an accelerated rate, growth in the e-waste R&R services industry is being spurred by the ever-increasing amounts of e-waste being created around the world.

Another driving factor in e-waste market growth is the growing recognition of valuable substances, such as lead, copper and gold, found in some e-waste components. These resources may be reclaimed at a profit and subsequently reused.

E-waste is estimated to comprise only .01% to 3% of the world's total solid waste stream. Despite being such a small portion of world waste, e-waste is receiving a lot of attention due to both its high toxicity and its rapid growth . Because of its economic value, e-waste is quickly becoming less of an environmental problem and more of a market opportunity.

E-Waste Recycling and Reuse Services Worldwide, a new market research study from industry leader SBI Energy, finds that in 2010 the e-waste R&R services market value totaled close to $6.8 billion, up from $6.2 billion in 2009, nearly a 10% increase. Industry growth is expected to continue on its uphill path at least through the next decade, with collection services alone more than tripling by 2020. In 2011, China and India are estimated to retain the largest market shares, in terms of value, with approximate 24% and 22% respectively.

The e-waste R&R services industry is complex and sometimes even elusive. Nana Lapham, SBI Energy analyst, explains, 'A simple route for an electronic item on its way to be recycled may entail collection from a garbage collector, triage by a dismantling company and then final processing by an end processor, such as a smelter or refiner. More complex routes may be more difficult to track and E&E items may be undocumented in storage somewhere, overseas illegally or even in landfills. It is not uncommon for an e-waste collector, or even dismantler, to have little or no knowledge regarding the destination of its products. This situation is changing, however, as the regulatory framework for e-waste R&R services becomes more established at least in some regions as the market continues to evolve and grow.

E-Waste Recycling and Reuse Services Worldwide contains comprehensive historical data and forecast data. This report identifies key trends and factors, which affect the size and direction of e-waste R&R market growth around the world. Profiles of more than a dozen companies involved in the e-waste recycling and reuse industry are also included.