Electronic waste or E-waste or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a discarded electric and equipment. Consumer electronic products such as PC monitors, computer equipment, cell phones, and stereos are some of the major sources of e-waste. Items that contain numerous electrical components generate the largest amount of e‐waste. Years of R&D, multiple product generations, and consumer’s willingness to upgrade creates a constant supply of this type of waste.
Market Statistics:
The global e-waste recycling and reuse services market is expected to surpass US$ 2,471.5 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2028.
Market Drivers
Growing environmental and health concerns are expected to propel the global e-waste recycling and reuse services market growth over the forecast period. E-waste is comprised of various components including toxic substances that affect human health. Many times these components are not disposed of properly. An item like cadmium is a carcinogen as well as also rapidly worsens soil health causing flow-on effects to local ecosystems, it is also released in the atmosphere if burnt. Lead has a well-documented history of its hazardous effects. Several environmental organizations such as Greenpeace have created a huge level of awareness amongst the public. As a result, governments of several nations worldwide have created their own sets of rules and regulations for efficient management of e-waste.
Market Opportunity
Existence of rare earth metals can provide major business opportunities in the global e-waste recycling and reuse and services market. With the increasing demand for rare earth metals, their prices have climbed yet so higher by doubling in four months. Several companies worldwide are buying the rare earth metals which are the base in the latest technologies. The price of Neodymium, a rare earth metal used in headphones and in electric cars costs US$ 283 per kilogram. Whereas in 2010; this metal was costing only US$ 42.0 per kilogram.
Global E-waste Recycling and Reuse Services Market: Recent Developments
- In August 2020, Kolkata based e-waste Management Company Hulladek Recycling and Agartala based Green Partner have announced their collaboration for e-waste management services in Tripura. The partnership aims to provide proper e-waste management solutions in the state and North-East India.
- In October 2021, Cerebra Green, the e-waste division of Cerebra Integrated Technologies Ltd., has increased its capacity by 100% from the current Recycling & Refurbishment Capacity of 20,000 Metric Tons to 40,000 Metric Tons.
- In April 2021, Eco Recycling Ltd (Ecoreco), a India based first and leading professional E-Waste Management Company launched a free mobile phone application “Book My Junk” for Home Pickup.