In 2010 the e-waste Reuse and Recycling (R&R) market value totalled close to $6.8 billion, and will continue to grow for at least a decade despite tighter regulations, according to a recently published report.
The report, conducted by market research specialist, SBI Reports claims that growth in the e-waste industry is expected to continue through at least the next decade, with collection services alone more than tripling by 2020.
According to the report, E-Waste Recycling and Reuse Services Worldwide, in 2010, out of the top ten country pool, China and India are estimated to retain the largest market shares in terms of value, with approximately 23.7% and 21.6% shares of the market respectively.
The authors claim that the e-waste R&R services industry is complex and occasionally elusive. A simple route for an electronic item on its way to be recycled may entail collection, dismantling and then final processing by an end processor, such as a smelter or refiner.
More complex routes may be more difficult to track and some e-waste may go undocumented into storage, be illegally exported overseas or even in disposed landfill. According to the research it is not uncommon for an e-waste collector, or even dismantler, to have little or no knowledge regarding the destination of its products.
However the study also finds that this situation is changing as the regulatory framework for e-waste R&R services becomes more established - at least in some regions - and as the market continues to evolve and grow.
Growth in the e-waste R&R services industry is being spurred by the continued growth to the amount of e-waste being generated across the globe as access to electronic good rises and old products become obsolete at an accelerated rate.
The report also finds that the growing recognition of valuable substances, such as lead, copper and gold, found in some e-waste components is another driving factor in the market’s. These resources may be reclaimed at a profit and subsequently reused, which makes a lot more sense than simply throwing them away.
Controversially the report goes on to claim that instances of corruption and ‘backyard recycling’ may be somewhat exaggerated by the media, “with both good and bad consequences”.
The authors claim that pictures depicting hazardous working conditions, such as those of African children breathing fumes from burning copper wire, have helped to incite an increase in e-waste regulations and enforcement, and have spurred the persistence of environmental watchdogs, such as the Basel Action Network and Greenpeace.
However the report adds that the persistence of groups such as these has led to the e-waste R&R service market being held to higher standards, which has also hindered growth for many involved in the industry.
