In 2019, the average volume of electronic waste generated per capita worldwide stood at *** kilograms. This figure is expected to rise in the coming years, reaching an estimated **** kilograms per capita by 2030. Electronic waste is also known as e-waste. It consists of the everyday electrical goods such as televisions, phones, and washing appliances that become waste when they break or are no longer wanted.

E-waste generation worldwide has nearly doubled since 2010, from **** million metric tons to roughly ** million tons in 2022. Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams, with global e-waste generation projected to reach ** million metric tons by 2030. What makes up electronic waste? In 2022, small equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, microwaves, toasters, and electric kettles made up the largest share of global electronic waste generation, at more than **** million metric tons. Another ** million metric tons of large equipment waste was also generated that year. Although still accounting for less than one percent of e-waste generated worldwide, the growth in solar PV capacity worldwide has seen photovoltaic panels as a growing waste stream. Where is electronic waste generated? China is by far the largest e-waste generating country worldwide, with more than ** million metric tons generated in 2022. In fact, Asia accounted for nearly half of all e-waste generated that year. Nevertheless, when it comes to e-waste generation per capita, four of the top five countries were located in Europe, with Norway leading the ranking at **** kilograms per inhabitant.

An estimated *** million metric tons of electronic waste were shipped worldwide in 2019. Europe exported some *** million metric tons worth of e-waste that year, and imported *** million metric tons, making it a net exporter. Of the total transboundary movement of e-waste between countries, only *** million metric tons were shipped in a controlled manner, with the remaining quantities shipped uncontrolled, such as by mixing e-waste with other legal shipments.

Electronic waste generation in Brazil has experienced a continual increasing trend in recent years. In 2019, the South American country generated approximately **** million metric tons of e-waste, an increase of more than ** percent in comparison to 2015. Brazil accounted for more than half of the e-waste generation volume in South America that year.

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Electronic Waste Recycling Market Size 2025-2029

The electronic waste recycling market size is forecast to increase by USD 32.74 billion at a CAGR of 21.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by stringent government regulations mandating proper e-waste management. These regulations aim to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with the improper disposal of electronic waste. Furthermore, the increasing number of mergers and acquisitions among market companies signifies a consolidating industry, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and enhance their capabilities. However, a significant challenge facing the market is the lack of awareness about proper methods of e-waste segregation. Battery recycling and CRT recycling are essential sub-segments, given the hazardous nature of these materials.
Companies in this market must navigate these challenges by investing in public awareness campaigns and developing innovative solutions for e-waste segregation and recycling to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable waste management practices. This obstacle hampers the effective collection and recycling of e-waste, limiting the potential for value recovery and sustainable disposal solutions.

What will be the Size of the Electronic Waste Recycling Market during the forecast period?

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The electronic waste (e-waste) recycling market is characterized by continuous innovation in recycling processes, ensuring the safe dismantling of e-waste while adhering to occupational safety standards. Metal refining and material separation technologies, such as pre-treatment processes and plastic granulation, play a crucial role in the efficient extraction of precious metals. National e-waste policies and sustainability reporting are driving the industry towards greater environmental stewardship, with post-treatment processes and energy recovery becoming increasingly important. Quality assurance and recycling certifications are essential for maintaining industry best practices and stakeholder engagement.

Data analytics and waste characterization facilitate policy analysis and recycling economics, while environmental remediation and recycling facility optimization ensure regulatory compliance. Public awareness campaigns and waste classification efforts contribute to the overall success of the market, with a focus on circular economy principles and circular business models.

How is this Electronic Waste Recycling Industry segmented?

The electronic waste recycling industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Material

  Metals and chemicals
  Plastic
  Glass


Source

  Household appliances
  Entertainment and consumer electronics
  IT and telecom
  Medical equipment
  Others


Method

  Mechanical recycling
  Pyrolysis
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Material Insights

The Metals and chemicals segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is driven by various entities and trends. The metals and chemicals segment, a significant component, focuses on recovering valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, as well as safely disposing of hazardous materials. This segment's dominance is due to the economic incentive of extracting and reusing precious metals, essential for electronic manufacturing given the limited natural resources. Regulations mandate proper disposal and recycling of toxic substances to mitigate environmental and health risks. IoT technology integration in recycling processes enhances efficiency and accuracy, while AI and big data analytics facilitate material identification and sorting. Producer responsibility schemes promote take-back programs, ensuring compliance with waste management regulations.

Sustainable practices, such as plastics recycling and circular economy principles, reduce the carbon footprint and promote resource recovery. Recycling technologies, including sorting and shredding, treatment, and processing equipment, enable the recovery of various components, such as CRT glass, batteries, and precious metals. Quality control measures, including manual sorting and automated sorting, ensure the highest standards. Reverse logistics and material flow analysis optimize the supply chain, ensuring efficient e-waste collection and transportation. Data sanitization and security are cru

Electronic waste generation worldwide stood at roughly 62 million metric tons in 2022. Several factors, such as increased spending power, and the availability of electronics, has fueled e-waste generation in recent decades, making it the fastest growing waste stream worldwide. This trend is expected to continue, with annual e-waste generation forecast at 82 million metric tons in 2030.

How much e-waste do people produce?

Globally, e-waste generation per capita averaged 7.8 kilograms in 2022. However, this differs greatly depending on the region. While Asia produces the most e-waste worldwide in volume, Europe and Oceania were the regions with the highest e-waste generation per capita, at 17.6 and 16.1 kilograms respectively.

E-waste disposal

In 2022, the share of e-waste formally collected and recycled worldwide stood at 22.3 percent. Meanwhile, around 48 million metric tons are estimated to have been collected informally, with 29 percent of this value being disposed as residual waste, most likely ending up in landfills. Due to the hazardous materials that are often used in electronics, improper e-waste disposal is a growing environmental concern worldwide.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Electrical and electronic waste and scrap in the Czech Republic from Jan 2019 to Sep 2025.

The North American e-waste management market, valued at $32.05 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing electronic device consumption, stringent environmental regulations, and rising awareness about responsible e-waste disposal. The 3.98% CAGR from 2019 to 2025 suggests a steady upward trajectory, indicating significant market potential. Key growth drivers include the rapid adoption of advanced technologies like smartphones and laptops, leading to a higher volume of discarded electronics. Furthermore, governmental initiatives promoting recycling and responsible e-waste management are bolstering market expansion. The market is segmented by material type (metal, plastic, glass, other), source type (consumer electronics, industrial electronics, other), and application (trashed, recycled). The dominance of specific segments within this market is likely driven by the relative abundance of certain materials in e-waste streams and the efficiency of recycling processes for those materials. For example, metal recycling is likely to be a significant part of the market due to the value of recovered metals and the existence of well-established recycling infrastructure. The "trashed" application segment, while concerning from an environmental perspective, unfortunately represents a substantial portion of the market due to inadequate recycling infrastructure in some areas and a lack of public awareness. Leading players like Waste Management Inc., Waste Connections, and Clean Harbors Inc. are actively shaping the market through technological advancements and strategic acquisitions, focusing on efficient and sustainable e-waste processing. Competition is expected to intensify as more companies enter the market, driven by the growing economic and environmental opportunities. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, albeit potentially at a slightly moderated pace due to factors such as economic fluctuations and the cyclical nature of technological advancements. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the continuous influx of new electronics and sustained government support for environmentally conscious practices. While challenges like managing complex e-waste compositions and maintaining cost-effectiveness in recycling processes persist, technological innovations and evolving industry practices are expected to mitigate these challenges and fuel continued market expansion. The North American market’s substantial size and established infrastructure provide a strong foundation for continued growth and market leadership in global e-waste management. Expansion into newer technologies such as data sanitization and secure destruction of sensitive data within discarded devices further underscores the market's ongoing evolution. Recent developments include: June 2024: Goodwill Keystone Area launched a new initiative to recycle electronic waste for free in partnership with Reworld, a waste management company formerly known as Covanta. This program allows residents around Philadelphia to donate various electronic items, including computers, TVs, and microwaves, to Goodwill stores. Reworld will handle the recycling of any electronics Goodwill cannot sell, addressing the organization's previous challenges with disposing of unsellable items., April 2024: In partnership with the non-profit Starkey, Wichita State University launched an impressive initiative to recycle electronic waste. Through this collaboration, the university has diverted around 15,000 pounds of electronics from being discarded, effectively keeping them out of landfills. The collected electronics are funneled to a broker, who sells them to US companies.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Volume of E-Waste, Stringent Government Regulations and Policies. Potential restraints include: Growing Volume of E-Waste, Stringent Government Regulations and Policies. Notable trends are: United States Prioritizes Domestic E-waste Recycling to Tackle Counterfeiting and Boost Security.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Electrical and electronic waste and scrap in Turks and Caicos Islands from Jan 2019 to Aug 2025.

The e-waste recycling machine market, currently valued at $1842 million (2025), is projected to experience robust growth, driven by stringent environmental regulations, increasing electronic waste generation, and the rising demand for valuable materials recovery. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion of this market. Key growth drivers include the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, the economic benefits of resource recovery from e-waste (such as precious metals), and technological advancements leading to more efficient and cost-effective recycling processes. The market is segmented by application (material recycling and components recycling) and by type of e-waste (ICT equipment and home appliances), each contributing to the overall market size and growth trajectory. Major players like Sims Recycling Solutions, Kuusakoski, and Umicore are shaping the market landscape through technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and global expansion efforts. Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market shares, although Asia Pacific is anticipated to show substantial growth due to its burgeoning electronics manufacturing and consumption. The market faces challenges such as the complex nature of e-waste processing, the need for improved infrastructure in developing regions, and fluctuations in commodity prices of recovered materials. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the rising global focus on circular economy principles and sustainable waste management practices. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large multinational corporations and specialized e-waste recycling companies. These companies are constantly striving to improve their technological capabilities, expand their global reach, and offer comprehensive e-waste management solutions to various industries and governments. The market is also seeing an increase in innovation, with new technologies emerging that aim to improve the efficiency and profitability of e-waste recycling. These advancements include automated sorting systems, advanced material separation techniques, and improved data analytics to optimize recycling processes. The future of the e-waste recycling machine market hinges on the ability of companies to adapt to changing regulations, technological breakthroughs, and the ever-growing volume of electronic waste generated worldwide. This necessitates a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and the development of innovative solutions that address the environmental and economic challenges associated with e-waste. This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the global e-waste recycling machine market, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders across the industry. The study period spans from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 serving as both the base and estimated year. The report meticulously examines market dynamics, encompassing historical data (2019-2024), current estimations (2025), and future projections (2025-2033). This in-depth analysis will help you navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving sector, potentially impacting millions of units in the global e-waste recycling landscape.

The global E-waste management market size reached USD 80.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 206.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 11% during 2025-2033. The significant investments in recycling infrastructure, expansion of leading companies globally, growing research and development activities, increasing number of key players seeking environmental certifications, and growing awareness about the importance of e-waste disposal are some of the factors propelling the market..

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on material type, source type and application.

In 2019, Argentina generated *** kilotons of electronic waste, an increase of ** percent in comparison to the beginning of the indicated period. This represents an average per capita generation of **** kilograms that year.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Electrical and electronic waste and scrap in Canada from Jan 2019 to Sep 2025.

In 2022, ** percent of e-waste generated in the Americas was documented as formally collected and recycled. Nevertheless, rates varied significantly across the continent; while more than ** percent of e-waste was collected in North America (U.S. and Canada), in South America this figure stood below ***** percent. E-waste generation in the Americas amounted to **** million metric tons that year.

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Smart Waste Management Market Size 2025-2029

The smart waste management market size is forecast to increase by USD 4.62 billion at a CAGR of 21.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing urbanization and subsequent rise in urban waste generation. This trend is driving the demand for advanced solutions that can effectively address the challenges of managing waste in densely populated areas. Additionally, the number of strategic partnerships between key players In the industry is on the rise, as companies seek to collaborate and innovate to provide more efficient and sustainable solutions. Sensor technologies, such as cameras, mobile computers, RFID, GPS, and IoT sensors, enable remote monitoring and route optimization. However, the effective deployment of these technologies faces challenges, including high implementation costs and the need for robust infrastructure and technology integration. Despite these hurdles, the market is expected to continue growing, as the benefits, such as reduced waste disposal costs, improved environmental sustainability, and enhanced public health and safety, become increasingly apparent. 

What will be the Size of the Smart Waste Management Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses innovative solutions for managing solid municipal waste in residential buildings, commercial spaces, and public places. These systems leverage sensor-based containers, vacuum systems, disposal tags, and IoT-based waste bins to optimize waste collection and facilitate intelligent monitoring.
By integrating sensor-based services into waste management, the industry aims to reduce inefficiencies, minimize trash production, and improve waste processing. Smart city initiatives further drive the adoption of these solutions, promoting waste segregation and the efficient handling of solid municipal waste. Overall, the market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable practices and the integration of IoT technologies into various industries. 

How is this Smart Waste Management Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The smart waste management industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Collection
  Landfill
  Recovery and recycling
  Processing


Type

  Solid waste
  Special waste
  E-waste


Component

  Hardware
  Solution


Waste Source

  Industrial
  Residential
  Commercial


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The collection segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Smart systems play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of inefficient waste collection and disposal, particularly in urban areas with high waste production. Traditional methods have resulted in issues such as pollution and health hazards due to uneven waste management, including domestic, industrial, and environmental wastes. To mitigate these problems, smart solutions have emerged, offering automated systems that minimize human interaction. These systems optimize waste collection and disposal processes, contributing to environmental sustainability and public health. Key market drivers include government initiatives, industrialization, and the increasing focus on environmental regulations and sustainability.

Additionally, the market is characterized by advance technologies, innovative strategies, and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics. Companies are investing in smart solutions, including sensor-based containers, disposal tags, and fleet trucks. The market encompasses various segments, including solid municipal waste,e-waste management, and smart collection and disposal systems, serving residential buildings, commercial spaces, and public places. The integration of IoT-based systems, real-time tracking, and route optimization are essential components of smart waste management, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.

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The collection segment was valued at USD 1.03 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the

The e-waste recycling machine market, currently valued at approximately $1.842 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by escalating e-waste generation globally and stringent environmental regulations aimed at minimizing electronic waste's environmental impact. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2019 to 2024 indicates a steadily expanding market. Key drivers include the increasing adoption of electronic devices, the growing awareness of the harmful effects of improper e-waste disposal, and the rising demand for valuable materials recovered from recycled electronics (such as gold, silver, and copper). Market segmentation reveals significant opportunities in both material and component recycling, with ICT equipment and home appliances representing major application areas. Leading companies like Sims Recycling Solutions, Umicore, and Waste Management are actively shaping the market through technological advancements and strategic partnerships. While the market faces challenges such as the complex nature of e-waste processing and variations in regulatory frameworks across different regions, the overall trend points towards substantial growth. The market's regional distribution reveals significant variations in market penetration. North America and Europe currently hold the largest market shares, driven by high e-waste generation, robust recycling infrastructure, and stringent environmental regulations. However, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are witnessing rapid growth due to increasing electronic consumption and government initiatives promoting sustainable e-waste management. The forecast period (2025-2033) suggests continued growth, particularly in developing nations adopting advanced recycling technologies and experiencing rapid urbanization and technological advancement. This growth will be influenced by factors such as technological innovation in e-waste recycling machines (e.g., automation, AI integration), government incentives promoting recycling, and increasing consumer awareness regarding responsible e-waste disposal. The market will likely witness increased competition among existing players and the emergence of new entrants, fostering further innovation and market expansion. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of the global e-waste recycling machine market, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across the value chain. Covering the historical period (2019-2024), base year (2025), and forecast period (2025-2033), this report projects a market exceeding tens of millions of units by 2033. It delves into key market segments, including application (material recycling, components recycling), types (ICT equipment, home appliances), and leading players like Sims Recycling Solutions and others, to provide a holistic view of this rapidly evolving sector. The report utilizes rigorous research methodologies and data analysis to present actionable intelligence for informed decision-making.

Statistics illustrates the export volume of Electrical and electronic waste and scrap in Vanuatu from Jan 2019 to Jul 2025 by trade partner.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Electrical and electronic waste and scrap in Nicaragua from Jan 2019 to Aug 2025.

Statistics illustrates the import volume of Electrical and electronic waste and scrap; of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal, containing primary cells and batteries, electric accumulators, mercury-switches, glass from cathode ray tubes or other activated glass, or electrical in Uruguay from Jan 2019 to Aug 2025 by trade partner.