The global electronic recycling market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.06% from 2013 to 2019.

The global electronic recycling market was valued at $9.84 billion (R107 billion) in 2012. Despite the clear benefits of e-waste recycling, a lack of recycling awareness and regulatory infrastructure has resulted in a low recycling rate. However, the implementation of strict recycling regulations, efforts to properly manage electronic waste and technological investments have contributed to the growth of this market.

According to a new report titled Electronic Recycling (Copper, Steel, Plastic Resins) Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 – 2019, with the increasing consumption of electronic devices and growing government concern, the major drivers for the electronic recycling market, are the numerous initiatives taken by original equipment manufacturers and non-profit organisations. Privacy protection concerns have further fuelled the market growth.

Europe dominated the e-waste recycling market followed by North America in 2012. Most of the e-waste from developed countries was imported to developing countries such as India, China and Pakistan due to cheap labour and no mandatory recycling regulations. Meanwhile, the amount of e-waste in South Africa is expected to increase eight times in near future because the country is serving as dumping ground for e-waste.

Although e-waste represents less than 4% of the global landfill mass, it contains more than 75% of the environmentally hazardous waste. As electronic equipment are made up of numerous special and precious metals, maintaining circular flow helps to achieve the availability demand. Steel was the most recycled material from electronic scrap and computers were the largest segment among recycled equipment in 2012 and are forecast to maintain this dominance in future.