By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling
New laws and regulations directed at the handling of e-scrap, along with the growth of third-party certification for companies that handle the material will triple the volume of electronics recycled, according to a new report from Pike Research.
The report estimates that between 2010 and 2025 the total amount of e-scrap recycled will grow from 18 percent to 54 percent. Electronics recycling and reuse, according to Pike Research, will rise from 1.1 million tons per year to 7.9 million tons annually by 2025.
“The key players in the consumer electronics product sectors are all large multinational companies that have, in one form or another, adopted concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability,” said Pike Research Vice President Bob Gohn, in a prepared statement. “Implementation and deployment vary from company to company, though, and some are more robust in their efforts than others. Progress on the regulatory and standards front will accelerate these efforts.”
According to the report, more OEMs are beginning to require that their contractors be certified to either the e-Stewards or R2 standards. Pike also points to pending legislation in the U.S. Congress that could increase recycling, as well as electronics recycling laws in half of all U.S. states. Additionally, the study points out that the European Union is considering modifications to its WEEE Directive that would increase recovery of old electronics and appliances for recycling.
Note the article states more OEMS are requiring their contractors be certified for responsible e-waste recycling at the end of product life. E-stewards has strong standard for responsible e-waste recycling and can be required of suppliers in the purchasing process.