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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 witnessing significant growth due to several key factors. Stringent government regulations for electronic waste management are driving market expansion, as authorities impose penalties on businesses and individuals for improper disposal of electronic waste. Additionally, the increasing number of mergers and acquisitions among market companies is boosting market competition and innovation. E-waste contains valuable resources such as precious metals like palladium, gold, and silver, as well as plastics, glass, and other materials. However, a major challenge persists in the form of a lack of awareness about proper methods of e-waste segregation. This issue hinders the effective collection and recycling of e-waste, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential environmental harm. Overall, these trends and challenges are shaping the future of the market.

What will be the Size of the Electronic Waste Recycling Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing production and disposal of electronic devices, driven by consumer demand for new technology and the durability of modern electronics. Recycling e-waste is an essential solution to mitigate the harmful effects of raw materials extraction and reduce the environmental impact of e-waste. E-waste collection and recycling are crucial aspects of e-waste management. E-waste facilities employ advanced technologies to recover metals and chemicals from discarded devices, including consumer electronics like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as well as larger appliances such as medical equipment, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
Product innovation in e-waste recycling processes enhances recovery rates and reduces recycling costs. Electronic manufacturers play a pivotal role in e-waste management by implementing take-back programs and designing products with durability and data security in mind. The recycling industry faces challenges in handling the growing volume of e-waste, ensuring data security, and maintaining high recovery rates. Despite these challenges, the demand for recycled metals as raw materials continues to grow, making e-waste recycling a promising market for investors and businesses.

How is this Electronic Waste Recycling Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The electronic waste recycling 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.

Material

  Metals and chemicals
  Plastic
  Glass


Source

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


Method

  Mechanical recycling
  Pyrolysis
  Landfill disposal
  Bioleaching


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    Canada
    US


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Material Insights

The metals and chemicals segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is primarily driven by the metals and chemicals segment, which focuses on the recovery and reuse of valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper from consumer electronics. This segment also ensures the safe disposal of hazardous materials such as mercury and cadmium. The economic incentive to extract and reuse precious metals, coupled with the need to meet ongoing demand in electronic manufacturing, drives the growth of this segment. Strict regulations mandate proper disposal and recycling of toxic substances to mitigate environmental and health risks. Product innovation, consumer awareness, and waste reduction are other significant factors fueling the market's growth.

Electronic waste contains a wealth of raw materials, making recycling an essential part of the circular economy and digital sustainability. The recycling of electronic waste also reduces the need for new raw material extraction, contributing to economic growth and digitization while minimizing waste disposal and its associated environmental and health concerns.

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The metals and chemicals segment was valued at USD 5.12 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Europe is estimated to contribute 41% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trend

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.

A current listing of NYS Registered Electronic Waste Recycling Facilities. Electronic waste types accepted vary from facility to facility.

Presence of various types of household electronic waste (eWaste) and disposal methods used in previous 12 months.

E-waste generation worldwide has nearly doubled since 2010, from 33.8 million metric tons to roughly 62 million tons in 2022. Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams, with global e-waste generation projected to reach 82 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 20.4 million metric tons. Another 15 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 12 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 26.8 kilograms per inhabitant.

Sustainable management of electronic waste is critical to achieving a circular-economy and minimizing environment and public health risks. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of pyrolysis as a possible technique to recover valuable materials and energy from different components of e-waste as an alternative approach for limiting their disposal to landfills. The study includes investigating the potential impact of thermal processing of e-waste.Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) of e-waste components were used to better understand the mass loss characteristics of the pyrolysis process up to 700 oC. The changes in e-waste chemical components during pyrolysis were considered using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. The energy recovery from pyrolysis was made in a horizontal tube furnace under anoxic and isothermal condition of selected temperatures of 300, 400 and 500 oC. Critical and valuable metals were recovered from electronic components. Pyrolysis produced liquid and gas mixtures organic compounds that can be used as fuels, but the process also emitted particulate matter and semi-volatile organic products, and the remaining ash contained leachable pollutants. Furthermore, toxicity leaching characteristic profile of e-waste and partly oxidized products were conducted to measure the levels of pollutants leached before and after pyrolysis at selected temperatures. The results of this study contribute to the development of alternative approaches to practical recycling that could especially help reduce plastic pollution and recover materials of value from e-waste. Additionally, this information may be used to assess the risk of exposure of workers to emissions semi-formal recycling centers. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Sahle-Demessie, E., B. Mezgebe, J. Dietrich, Y. Shan, S. Harmon, and C.C. Lee. Material recovery from electronic waste using pyrolysis: Emissions measurements and risk assessment. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS, 9(1): 104943, (2021).

Electronic Waste Market Outlook

The global electronic waste market size was valued at approximately USD 55 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 110 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the rapid technological advancements and the consequent reduction in the lifespan of electronic devices, leading to a significant increase in the volume of e-waste generated globally.

One of the primary growth factors contributing to the expansion of the electronic waste market is the increasing consumption of electronic devices. With the proliferation of smartphones, laptops, and other consumer electronics, the lifespan of these devices has been notably decreasing, resulting in a higher turnover rate and consequently, more e-waste. Additionally, the advent of new technology and frequent product launches compel consumers to replace their old devices, further contributing to the accumulation of electronic waste.

Another significant factor is the growing awareness and regulatory measures enacted by governments worldwide to manage and recycle electronic waste effectively. Many countries have introduced stringent regulations and policies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of e-waste. These regulations often mandate the proper disposal and recycling of electronic devices, which has led to the establishment of efficient e-waste management systems. Furthermore, international agreements such as the Basel Convention aim to control the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal, encouraging nations to develop robust e-waste recycling infrastructures.

The rise of urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies is also playing a crucial role in propelling the electronic waste market. As more people move to urban areas and industries expand, the consumption of electronic devices increases, leading to a surge in e-waste. Countries in the Asia Pacific region, for instance, are witnessing rapid urbanization and industrial growth, resulting in a significant rise in electronic waste generation. This, in turn, is creating opportunities for e-waste management companies to expand their operations in these regions.

E Waste Recycling Service is becoming increasingly vital as the volume of electronic waste continues to grow. These services are designed to efficiently handle the collection, processing, and recycling of discarded electronic devices, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and hazardous substances are safely managed. By employing advanced recycling technologies, these services not only help in reducing the environmental impact of e-waste but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources. The role of E Waste Recycling Service is crucial in supporting the circular economy, where materials are continuously reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimizing waste. As awareness about the environmental and health implications of improper e-waste disposal increases, the demand for comprehensive recycling services is expected to rise, driving further advancements in this sector.

Regionally, North America and Europe are leading the way in terms of effective e-waste management due to stringent regulations and high awareness levels. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of electronic devices and the growing need for efficient e-waste management systems. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to witness substantial growth due to the rising awareness and implementation of e-waste recycling programs.

Material Type Analysis

The electronic waste market is segmented by material type into metals, plastics, glass, and others. Metals constitute a significant portion of e-waste, including precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium, as well as base metals such as copper, aluminum, and iron. The high value and recyclability of these metals drive their recovery from e-waste, making them a crucial segment of the market. The recycling process involves recovering these metals from discarded electronic devices, which can then be reused in the manufacturing of new products, thereby reducing the demand for virgin raw materials and minimizing environmental impact.

Plastics are another major component of electronic waste, often found in the casings and

Editor’s Choice

• The Global E-waste management system Market size is expected to be worth around USD 160.2 Billion by 2032 from USD 52.6 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 12.10% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.
• Approximately 26,345,657 tons of electronic waste were thrown out worldwide till July 12, 2023.
• Approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste is generated annually.
• Without any changes, it is estimated that the annual e-waste could more than double by 2050.
• In 2021, the world generated approximately 57 million metric tons of electronic waste, representing a record high.
• The Asia-Pacific region generated the highest amount of e-waste in 2021, with an estimated 25 million metric tons, followed by the Americas and Europe.
• The value of raw materials present in the e-waste generated in 2021 was estimated to be approximately $57 billion, including gold, silver, copper, and other valuable metals.
• By 2030, the global volume of e-waste is projected to reach 74 million metric tons, indicating a continued upward trend in e-waste generation.

(Source: digwatch, Global E-waste Monitor, United Nations University)

China is by far the largest producer of electronic waste worldwide, generating more than 12 million metric tons worth in 2022. The United States followed, with roughly seven million metric tons produced. Global electronic waste generation amounted to approximately 62 million metric tons in 2022 and is expected to increase further in the coming years.

What is electronic waste?

Electronic waste is often referred to as e-waste, and is the fastest growing waste stream worldwide. E-waste consists of electronic equipment that has reached the end of its useful life. It includes a wide variety of products used in everyday life such as old phones, televisions, fridges, and air conditioners. The most common type of e-waste is small equipment as microwaves, electric kettles, and cameras.

E-waste disposal

Due to electronic products often containing harmful components, proper disposal of e-waste is imperative. However, the destination of e-waste generated worldwide still goes mostly undocumented, with millions of tons estimated to end up annually in landfills. Improper disposal can not only cause major environmental hazards, such as toxic chemical leaching; e-waste contains valuable resources such as gold, silver, and platinum. It is projected that billions of dollars’ worth of these valuable metals are discarded with e-waste every year.

The Electronic Goods Recycling industry has performed well, with increased direct and indirect subsidization driving growth. Electronics recyclers earn most of their revenue from direct or indirect government subsidization. Over the past decade, both the average number of electronics owned by each consumer and the rate at which electronics are replaced have grown significantly. Purchases of recycled commodities remained strong even during recent turbulence, with the doubling of aluminum and copper prices driving downstream customers to less expensive, recycled metals. Consequently, industry revenue is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 8.0% to total $28.1 billion over the five years to 2024, including growth of 6.2% in 2024 alone. The harmful effects of improperly discarded electronics on the environment and human health have driven public calls to develop electronics recycling infrastructure. While no comprehensive federal law exists to address the issue of e-waste, many municipalities and states have implemented legislation to tackle the problem. With existing laws becoming more stringent, electronic goods recyclers have flourished. Larger electronic goods recyclershave slowly captured a larger revenue share, leveraging scale to expand operations by leveraging productive but costly technology. Likewise, they have relied on their size to secure favorable supply contracts for inputs, the industry's primary expense. This has allowed them to become ever more profitable, widening profit margins across the industry. Electronics recycling will continue growing as rising public concern over e-waste waste leads to greater government regulation. Additionally, while recyclers earn most of their revenue from providing electronics recycling services, a smaller portion of industry revenue is generated by selling various precious metals extracted from the electronics recycling process. With the prices of many of these materials expected to rise in the years to come, industry revenue will rise as customers opt for less expensive recycled metals over virgin alloys. As a result, industry revenue is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% to $35.1 billion over the five years to 2029.

The E-Waste Management Market is projected to reach $71,588.3 Mn by 2034 from $17,125.7 Mn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 14.22% during the forecast period 2024-2034.

Some data form the general proyect "Recycling of e-waste using green technologies"

Experimental data of e-waste: 2018 - 2019

Zeta potential data from the non-metallic fraction and the feed at different pHs with and without collectors. Contact Angle Hysteresis with different collectors in the Feed and the non-metallic fraction X-Ray Diffraction test from feed, Non-metallic fraction and metallic fraction from PCBs. ATR FTIR data from feed, Non-metallic fraction and metallic fraction from PCBs.

Electronic Waste Recycling Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Material Type (Metals, Plastics, Glass), Recycling Technology (Pyrometallurgy, Hydrometallurgy), Device Type (Household Appliances, Consumer Electronics), Source - Global Forecast to 2032

In 2023, South Korea was amongt the largest importers of electrical and electronic waste and scrap worldwide, at over 527,000 metric tons. India followed, with some 389,000 metric tons imported. The majority of global e-waste imports are estimated to be carried out in an uncontrolled manner.

The dataset contains year- and state-wise total quantity of electronic waste (E-waste) which is collected and processed.

Note:

The blank cells in the dataset represent no data being reported by the respective states

Introduction

The Global E-waste Management System Market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated value of USD 160.2 billion by 2032, up from USD 59.0 billion in 2023. This reflects a robust compound annual growth rate CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2032.

An E-waste management system refers to a structured process for the collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal of electronic waste. E-waste includes discarded electrical or electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions, and household appliances.

These systems aim to minimize the environmental and health impacts of improper disposal by recovering valuable materials and ensuring the safe handling of hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Effective e-waste management not only reduces landfill waste but also supports the circular economy by reintroducing recycled materials into the production cycle.

The e-waste management system market encompasses the ecosystem of service providers, recyclers, technology solutions, and regulatory frameworks that facilitate the proper handling of electronic waste. This market includes both formal and informal sectors, with formal operations involving licensed companies that comply with environmental regulations.

The market is driven by increasing electronic consumption, shorter product lifecycles, and the growing awareness of sustainable waste management practices. Key players include waste management firms, government agencies, and technology providers offering innovative recycling and data security solutions.

The e-waste management system market is experiencing significant growth due to several factors. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancements leads to shorter product lifespans, driving higher e-waste volumes. Secondly, rising consumer awareness about environmental sustainability, combined with stricter government regulations on e-waste disposal, has incentivized businesses and households to adopt proper recycling methods.

Demand for e-waste management services is driven by both corporate and consumer segments. Businesses are increasingly required to comply with environmental regulations, particularly in developed markets where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies are in place. On the consumer side, growing awareness and government-led collection initiatives are encouraging the adoption of formal recycling channels. The increasing penetration of electronic devices in emerging markets further amplifies the demand for efficient e-waste management systems.

The e-waste management system market presents substantial opportunities for innovation and expansion. One notable opportunity lies in the development of advanced recycling technologies, such as automated disassembly systems and chemical recovery processes, which improve the efficiency and profitability of recycling operations.

Another area of potential growth is in emerging economies, where e-waste generation is rising rapidly, yet formal recycling infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Companies that establish operations in these regions can gain a first-mover advantage. Additionally, partnerships between public and private sectors to develop robust e-waste collection and management frameworks offer a pathway for sustained market expansion.

Review of Regional E-Waste Recycling

From January to September 2024, approximately 375 thousand metric tons of household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) were collected in the United Kingdom. On average, some 120,000 metric tons of household electronic waste are collected each quarter. The UK is one of the biggest producers of e-waste in the world. Types of e-wasteWEEE, often referred to as e-waste, consists of electronic products that are discarded at the end of their useful life. Types of e-waste include phones, computers, and light bulbs, as well as large household appliances such as fridges, microwaves, and washing machines. The latter category makes up the largest volume of collected e-waste in the United Kingdom. E-waste a growing problemE-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. There are health concerns over the way it is disposed of, as large amounts are exported to developing countries. With a lack of proper waste management, electronics are often burnt, resulting in the likely contamination of soil, water, and food. It is estimated that less than one-third of electronic waste generated worldwide is formally collected and recycled.

The market size of the Electronic Waste Management Market is categorized based on Application (Environmental Protection, Resource Recovery, Electronic Waste Disposal, Recycling) and Product (E-Waste Recycling, E-Waste Collection, E-Waste Disposal, E-Waste Refurbishing, E-Waste Processing) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

This report provides insights into the market size and forecasts the value of the market, expressed in USD million, across these defined segments.

Global E-Waste Management Market size was worth around $63.15 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around $219.23 Billion by 2032