Global Electronics Recycling Market to Reach US$108.3 Billion by 2030

The global market for Electronics Recycling estimated at US$47.4 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$108.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Metals, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 16.0% CAGR and reach US$61.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Plastics segment is estimated at 14.3% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$8.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 17.8% CAGR

The Electronics Recycling market in the U.S. is estimated at US$8.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$21.9 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 17.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% and 11.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 15.1% CAGR.

Global Electronics Recycling Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Electronics recycling is an increasingly crucial aspect of waste management and environmental sustainability, addressing the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, televisions, and household appliances, many of which contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Proper recycling of these items not only prevents these toxic substances from contaminating the environment but also recovers valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. The recycling process involves several steps, including collection, sorting, dismantling, and extraction of materials. Advanced recycling facilities use techniques such as shredding, magnetic separation, and chemical processing to efficiently recover and purify these materials. By doing so, electronics recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes the ecological footprint of electronic devices.

The rise in electronic device usage has led to a significant increase in e-waste, prompting stricter regulations and more robust recycling initiatives worldwide. Governments and environmental organizations are advocating for extended producer responsibility (EPR), where manufacturers are required to manage the end-of-life disposal of their products. This has led to the establishment of take-back programs and recycling incentives. Additionally, public awareness campaigns aim to educate consumers on the importance of recycling electronics and the environmental impact of improper disposal. Technological advancements have also improved the efficiency of recycling processes. Innovations in automated sorting and material recovery technologies have made it possible to handle larger volumes of e-waste more effectively, enhancing the economic viability of recycling operations.

The growth in the electronics recycling market is driven by several factors, including increasing e-waste generation, stringent environmental regulations, and rising consumer awareness. The rapid pace of technological advancements and the frequent upgrading of electronic devices result in a steady increase in e-waste. Regulations mandating the proper disposal and recycling of electronic products, particularly in developed regions, have spurred the establishment of recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, growing consumer awareness about the environmental and health impacts of e-waste has led to higher participation in recycling programs. The market is also benefiting from the circular economy model, where the focus is on designing products with longer life cycles and better recyclability. Additionally, advancements in recycling technologies are improving the efficiency and profitability of e-waste recycling operations. As these factors converge, the electronics recycling market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the need to manage e-waste sustainably and the economic opportunities presented by material recovery.