E-Scrap Recycling - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for E-Scrap Recycling was valued at US$32.4 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$62.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.7% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the E-Scrap Recycling market.

Global E-Scrap Recycling Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is E-Scrap Recycling No Longer Just a Waste Management Issue?

The conversation around e-scrap recycling has evolved far beyond environmental responsibility to become a critical component of resource recovery, circular economy strategies, and digital sustainability. With the exponential rise in electronic consumption, driven by rapid technological advancements and shorter device life cycles, the global volume of electronic waste has reached alarming levels. From smartphones and laptops to industrial servers and smart home appliances, electronic devices are being discarded at an unprecedented rate, creating a massive reservoir of valuable and hazardous materials. E-scrap recycling is no longer seen as a peripheral waste management activity - it is now a strategic industry that recovers high-value resources like gold, silver, palladium, rare earth elements, copper, and aluminum. These materials are essential to the manufacturing of new electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy infrastructure. This value recovery potential has drawn the attention of governments, manufacturers, and investors who are recognizing e-scrap recycling as a critical lever in reducing raw material dependency and ensuring supply chain resilience. At the same time, the presence of toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants in e-waste has made improper disposal a severe environmental and public health risk, further accelerating the push for regulated recycling systems. As awareness grows, so does regulatory pressure - driving the development of formalized recycling infrastructures and traceability systems to ensure responsible material handling.

Is Technology Transforming the Way We Process and Recover E-Waste?

Technological innovation is at the core of modernizing e-scrap recycling, enabling more efficient, safe, and profitable recovery processes. Traditional manual dismantling is increasingly being replaced or complemented by sophisticated mechanical and chemical treatment methods that maximize yield and minimize labor intensity. Techniques such as automated shredding, eddy current separation, laser-assisted sorting, and hydro-metallurgical processing are improving throughput and material purity. Robotics and AI are also being integrated into sorting lines to accurately identify and segregate complex components, reducing contamination and enhancing the quality of secondary raw materials. Advanced tracking systems using blockchain and IoT sensors are improving traceability, allowing recyclers to monitor the flow of e-scrap from collection through to processing, ensuring compliance with both local and international standards. Innovations in closed-loop recycling systems are enabling manufacturers to reclaim materials directly for use in new product lines, reducing reliance on virgin resources and improving sustainability credentials. Additionally, thermal processing techniques such as pyrolysis and plasma arc recycling are being explored to handle mixed material streams and extract valuable compounds from low-grade waste. These advancements not only reduce the ecological footprint of e-waste management but also make the business case for recycling more compelling by increasing recovery efficiency and profitability. As technology continues to evolve, it is creating new possibilities for urban mining, where cities become resource reservoirs through the systematic extraction of metals from discarded electronics.

How Are Policy Frameworks and Global Trade Dynamics Reshaping the E-Scrap Landscape?

The e-scrap recycling industry is being deeply reshaped by global policy developments and shifting trade dynamics, as countries reassess their approach to waste management and resource security. Regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, the U.S. R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification, and China’s Green Fence and National Sword policies have forced significant changes in how e-scrap is collected, processed, and exported. Many countries that once relied on exporting electronic waste to low-cost processing centers in Asia are now investing in domestic recycling infrastructure due to stricter import bans and environmental controls. This has given rise to a localized approach where regional recycling hubs are being developed to manage the growing volumes of e-waste responsibly. At the same time, extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs are gaining momentum, requiring electronics manufacturers to take ownership of their products at end-of-life, including collection, logistics, and recycling. These frameworks are incentivizing manufacturers to design for recyclability, reduce material complexity, and partner with certified recyclers. Meanwhile, illegal e-waste dumping and informal sector practices remain significant challenges in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries where regulatory enforcement is weak. International collaboration, public-private partnerships, and multilateral agreements are being increasingly promoted to ensure transparency, equitable distribution of recycling responsibilities, and the development of shared standards. The evolving legal and trade environment is, therefore, a defining force shaping the future of the global e-scrap recycling market, pushing it toward greater accountability, traceability, and sustainability.

What’s Driving the Unprecedented Growth in the E-Scrap Recycling Market?

The growth in the e-scrap recycling market is driven by several factors related to technological advancements, end-use diversification, regulatory evolution, and shifting consumer and manufacturer behaviors. One of the central drivers is the surging volume of electronic device consumption and obsolescence, resulting in a continuous and growing stream of discarded electronic goods across both residential and industrial segments. The increasing scarcity and geopolitical sensitivity surrounding critical raw materials - such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth metals - have made the recovery of these elements from e-waste an economic imperative. Manufacturers are also facing pressure to meet sustainability targets and carbon reduction commitments, leading to greater investment in circular production models that depend on high-quality recycled feedstocks. Regulatory mandates - especially extended producer responsibility and landfill diversion targets - are enforcing systematic e-scrap collection and processing, boosting formal sector activity. At the same time, public awareness campaigns and digital tools are encouraging consumers to dispose of electronics through official channels, improving feedstock availability for recyclers. The rising demand from downstream industries, such as electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics, and green energy technologies, is increasing the commercial value of recovered materials and making e-scrap recycling more attractive to investors. Moreover, innovations in recycling processes - particularly AI-driven sorting, automated disassembly, and chemical recovery methods - are reducing operational costs and expanding the types of materials that can be economically recovered. The emergence of smart cities and sustainable infrastructure initiatives is also promoting urban mining and integrated waste management systems, where e-scrap recycling plays a pivotal role. Together, these factors are propelling the global e-scrap recycling market into a new phase of accelerated growth and strategic significance.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the E-Scrap Recycling market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Product Type (IT & Telecommunications Equipment, Large White Goods, Small Household Appliances, Other Product Types); Processed Material (Plastic, Metal, Glass, Other Materials).

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the IT & Telecommunications Equipment segment, which is expected to reach US$30.7 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 10.7%. The Large White Goods segment is also set to grow at 10.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $8.8 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 15.6% CAGR to reach $13.0 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global E-Scrap Recycling Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global E-Scrap Recycling Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global E-Scrap Recycling Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Aurubis AG, Cohen Recycling, CWG (Communications Wireless Group), DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd., ecoATM Gazelle and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 42 companies featured in this E-Scrap Recycling market report include:

• Aurubis AG
• Cohen Recycling
• CWG (Communications Wireless Group)
• DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd.
• ecoATM Gazelle
• Electronic Recyclers International (ERI)
• Eltech Appliances
• Enviro-Hub Holdings Ltd.
• First America
• GEEP (Global Electric Electronic Processing)
• Glencore
• Greentec
• Metech Recycling
• Mint Innovation
• Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
• Redwood Materials
• Sims Lifecycle Services
• SK tes
• Stena Recycling
• UPCYCLE USA

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What's Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry