What is driving the rise in electronic waste globally?

Electronic waste is increasing by nearly 2 million metric tonnes annually due to rapid technology turnover, with projections exceeding 70 million tonnes by 2030.

How does Mender address the e-waste problem?

Mender securely retrieves outdated IT equipment, performs certified data sanitisation, and determines whether devices can be refurbished or recycled, partnering with large enterprises and government agencies.

What materials in e-waste are most commonly recycled?

Steel, especially from server racks in data centers, is a significant material recycled, while servers are often repurposed or harvested for components.

Global E-Waste Surge Sparks New Avenues for IT Asset Recovery Leader Mender

E-waste Recycling | 2025-12-03 10:08:40

The UN’s latest Global E-Waste Monitor warns that discarded electronics are piling up far faster than they are being responsibly recycled—highlighting a widening sustainability gap.

By Paul Ploumis

Global E-Waste Surge Sparks New Avenues for IT Asset Recovery Leader Mender

Summary

Rising E-Waste: Global electronic waste is growing rapidly, projected to exceed 70 million tonnes by 2030, outpacing responsible recycling efforts.
Mender’s Role: Mender, led by Kent Taggart, provides secure IT asset disposal, certified data sanitisation, and refurbishment services for enterprises and government agencies.
Circular Economy Opportunities: With a network across 37 countries, Mender maximizes IT asset lifespan, reduces emissions, and supports reuse and recycling in the circular economy.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Electronic waste is accelerating at an alarming pace, climbing by nearly two million metric tonnes every year and set to surpass 70 million tonnes by 2030, according to the American Chemical Society. The UN’s latest Global E-Waste Monitor warns that discarded electronics are piling up far faster than they are being responsibly recycled—highlighting a widening sustainability gap.

Turning this challenge into a business model, Kent Taggart, co-founder and CEO of US-based Mender, has built a thriving operation around secure IT asset disposal and technology reuse. Mender partners with large enterprises and government agencies that regularly cycle out ageing hardware. The company manages the retrieval of outdated devices, performs certified data sanitisation and determines whether each item can be refurbished or must be recycled.

Global Electronics Recycling Market Poised to See Rapid Growth: Fact.MR

A substantial portion of incoming equipment is made of steel, particularly server racks from data centres. While the servers themselves are typically repurposed or harvested for components, the racks are often routed to metal recycling yards due to limited secondary-market demand.

Taggart sees growing opportunities to expand reuse channels, especially as hyperscale cloud providers such as AWS and Microsoft invest in circular-economy initiatives. Through a network spanning 37 countries, Mender aims to maximise the lifespan of IT assets while reducing emissions linked to long-haul waste transport.

POLL

What should be the top priority for managing electronic waste?

Refurbishing old devices for reuse

Recycling materials like steel and metals

Reducing e-waste through longer device lifespans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is driving the rise in electronic waste globally?
Electronic waste is increasing by nearly 2 million metric tonnes annually due to rapid technology turnover, with projections exceeding 70 million tonnes by 2030.
How does Mender address the e-waste problem?
Mender securely retrieves outdated IT equipment, performs certified data sanitisation, and determines whether devices can be refurbished or recycled, partnering with large enterprises and government agencies.
What materials in e-waste are most commonly recycled?
Steel, especially from server racks in data centers, is a significant material recycled, while servers are often repurposed or harvested for components.