As the production and use of electronics products continues to increase dramatically throughout both the business and public sectors, the challenges of disposal and recovery of materials are becoming significant. The number of personal computers available for recycling has been increasing significantly and is expected to reach approximately 60 million units a year within the next 5 years. The major sources of electronics products for recycling have been manufacturers and large users. The volume of consumer electronics products being recycled, such as TVs, has not been significant.
Most companies involved with electronics recycling are relatively small.
Two-thirds of the companies have fewer than 30 employees and most have been in business less than 10 years. In addition, there were approximately 33 million pounds of electronics parts, subassemblies and materials recycled. The key economic drivers of the electronics recycling industry are the need for a predictable stream of high volume sources and the capital required for automated processes. Click here for a summary of the report as well as a link to the NSC page where you can find out how to order it. The IAER has prepared an overview presentation about the electronics recycling industry that includes general information about the nature and structure of the industry as well as summary data and trends.