ELECTRONIC SCARP RECYCLING MARKET ANALYSIS

Electronic Scarp Recycling Market Size and Trends

The electronic scrap recycling market is estimated to be valued at USD 32.56 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 52.62 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2024 to 2031.

To learn more about this report, request sample copy

The increasing electronic waste generation across the globe due to shorter life cycles and higher obsolescence of electronic devices is driving the need for the proper recycling and reuse of materials. The electronic scrap recycling market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Environmental regulations regarding proper e-waste disposal and rising awareness about the toxic hazards of improper e-waste recycling are compelling key players to adopt sustainable recycling practices. Increased investments in improving recycling technology and expanding collection infrastructure will further boost the recycling of electronic waste.

Drivers of the Market:

Environmental concerns and e-waste management policies

With rising environmental pollution and limited space in landfills, improper e-waste disposal has become a significant issue worldwide. Electronic products contain various toxic elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, etc. that severely contaminate the environment if not handled properly. When these products are thrown in landfills or incinerated, the toxic elements seep into the soil and water bodies causing immense harm to public health and biodiversity. Cities are grappling with the challenge of limited landfill area getting filled up rapidly as e-waste volumes continue to mount. This brings the need for scientific e-waste recycling and reuse practices to the forefront.

Most nations have formulated stringent regulations in recent years around e-waste management and extended producer responsibility. Manufacturers and brand owners are now accountable for ensuring their products are recycled in an environment-friendly manner at the end of life through take-back programs. Non-compliance can attract hefty fines. This legal push has led companies to tie up with certified recyclers to channelize e-waste properly. Individual consumers are also more aware now about responsible e-waste disposal and the hazards of improper handling. Grassroot advocacy campaigns have enlightened people about protecting the environment from toxic pollutants. It has made recycling a way of life for many.

The growing adoption of renewable energy technologies

With depleting fossil fuel reserves and urgent climate action, renewable energy is gaining global prominence. Solar panels and wind turbines are proliferating worldwide to transition to cleaner sources of electricity. These new age technologies contain electronic components and circuits that will also eventually retire from use after 10-15 years. As installations increase exponentially, a huge volume of retired panels and other generation equipment will need processing and material extraction. The materials inside like silicon, glass, copper, and aluminum have high recycle potential if handled by experienced recyclers. This offers a secondary source of such critical minerals and reduces mining pressure.

However, when these manufacturing units upgrade their machinery and fabrication lines, the retired tools and equipment will enter the recycling channel. Many nations have formulated programs supporting renewable manufacturing to boost local jobs and economic activities. This will inevitably spur the recycling demand for these industries too to follow sustainable practices. Individual prosumers actively adopting rooftop solar are also growing steadily.