Company Spotlight

The Future of E-Waste Management: Balancing Growth and Sustainability

E-Waste Management Market

Insights

New technologies are transforming the way e-waste is managed and recycled, offering innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact.

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become an escalating issue driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer habits, and insufficient waste management systems. This pressing challenge demands a comprehensive strategy encompassing responsible manufacturing, extended producer responsibility, and enhanced recycling infrastructure. Implementing efficient e-waste disposal practices is vital for sustainable management, as it reduces environmental pollution, safeguards public health, and preserves valuable resources.

According to Expert Market Research, the global e-waste management market size was around USD 70.1 billion in the year 2024. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of nearly USD 195 billion by 2034.

Global e-waste generation is rising at a rate of 2.6 million tonnes annually and is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, representing a 33% increase from 2022 levels. In 2022, the global generation of e-waste totalled 62 million tonnes. Of this amount, approximately 14 million tonnes (22.3%) were discarded, with the majority ending up in landfills. The e-waste generated contained an estimated 31 million tonnes of metals, 17 million tonnes of plastics, and 14 million tonnes of other materials, including minerals, glass, and composite components.

As per 2024 records, Europe leads with a 42.8% formally documented collection and recycling rate for e-waste, while countries in Africa recycle lower than 1% of their e-waste through formal channels. Asia accounts for nearly half (approximately 30 million tonnes) of the global e-waste generation, though relatively few nations in the region have implemented legislation or adopted prominent e-waste collection targets. Per capita e-waste generation is highest in Europe (17.6 kg), which is followed by Oceania (16.1 kg) and the Americas (14.1 kg), with these regions also reporting the highest per capita collection and recycling rates, which constitute of 6.7 kg in Oceania, 7.5 kg in Europe, and 4.2 kg in the Americas. Additionally, 16 million tonnes of e-waste are collected and recycled outside formal systems in high- and upper-middle-income countries that have established e-waste management infrastructures.

Insights on E-Waste Management: Latest News and Developments

  • In June 2024, Japan planned to set up about 10 hubs for recycling electronic waste in collaboration with Mitsubishi Materials. The plan includes the expenditure of USD 191 million to aid companies invest in the project. 
  • In April 2023, E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 came into force in India strengthening the country’s approach to e-waste management. Urban and rural local bodies are responsible for segregating, collecting, and directing e-waste—particularly when mixed with municipal solid waste—to authorised recyclers or refurbishers. Their duties also include managing "orphan" e-waste from defunct companies, supporting the development of e-waste management systems, and organising training programs to enhance awareness and capacity in e-waste handling.
  • In 2021, Saudi Arabia implemented a new waste management law designed to regulate the import, export, and safe disposal of waste, as well as all associated activities. This legislation emphasises improving both environmental and economic outcomes by requiring all parties involved to engage in recycling and resource recovery, while ensuring waste is disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.

New Technologies Driving E-Waste Management

  • Tracking and Traceability of E-Waste: Cutting-edge tracking and traceability solutions, incorporating technologies such as blockchain, are enhancing transparency within the e-waste supply chain. These systems optimise the oversight and management of electronic waste disposal, fostering improved accountability and operational efficiency.
  • Recycling of Circuit Board: Advancements in the recycling of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are rich in valuable metals, are concentrated on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly techniques for the extraction and reutilisation of precious materials such as gold, silver, and copper. These innovations aim to substantially minimise environmental impacts.
  • Urban mining: Urban mining is a growing practice that involves extracting valuable metals and materials from electronic waste in urban settings. This method decreases dependence on traditional mining, mitigates its environmental impacts, and promotes a more sustainable material supply chain.
  • 3D Printing for Recycling: 3D printing technologies are being investigated as a method to repurpose e-waste materials into new products. This approach supports a circular economy by converting waste into raw materials for manufacturing, thereby reducing reliance on new resources.
  • Nano Recycling Technologies: Nanotechnology is revolutionising e-waste recycling by enabling more efficient extraction and recovery of valuable materials. The use of nanomaterials enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of recycling processes, optimising resource recovery.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Sorting: Artificial intelligence is being utilised in sorting facilities to optimise e-waste recycling processes. Sophisticated algorithms enhance the precision of material identification and segregation, resulting in improved recycling efficiency and more effective resource recovery.
  • Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Innovations in sustainable packaging for electronic devices are focusing on reducing packaging waste. By incorporating recyclable and biodegradable materials, these solutions are helping to minimise the environmental impact of product packaging in the electronics industry.

Government Targets for E-Waste Reduction

Country Target Description
China China aims to recycle 50% of its electronic waste by 2025, a target fueled by recent research predicting the accumulation of up to 6 billion used mobile phones within the country by that year.
United Kingdom The UK government has set a goal to end the disposal of e-waste in landfills by 2030, highlighting the need to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste and promote sustainable recycling practices.
Japan In June 2024, the Japanese government partnered with the private sector to establish 10 e-waste recycling centers, aiming to process 500,000 tons of electronic waste by 2030.
Australia In December 2024, the Australian government introduced a national framework targeting the recovery of 80% of the country’s resources for a circular economy by 2035. Covering all industries, the initiative seeks to address the 22 kilograms of e-waste generated per person annually, much of which is currently exported abroad.
Saudi Arabia As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims for 100% e-waste recycling through waste-to-energy and sustainability initiatives, the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020 was launched in 2022. The program includes a target to reduce e-waste by 40%, supporting the nation’s broader environmental goals.

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30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801

+1-415-325-5166

63 Fiona Drive, Tamworth, NSW

+61-448-061-727

C130 Sector 2 Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

+91-858-608-1494

40th Floor, PBCom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor V.A Rufino St. Makati City, 1226.

+63-287-899-028, +63-967-048-3306

6 Gardner Place, Becketts Close, Feltham TW14 0BX, Greater London

+44-753-713-2163

193/26/4 St.no.6, Ward Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City

+84-865-399-124