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World E-Scrap Volume to Exceed 54 Million Tonnes by 2025

The upward trend in quantities of e-scrap arisings across the globe is likely to continue unabated.

A new report commissioned by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has stated that the worldwide e-scrap generation is likely to surpass 54 million tonnes by 2025. This figure is significantly higher when compared with 41.2 million tonnes in 2016. This essentially means that the amount of e-scrap has registered nearly 30% growth in less than a decade. The report also states that Asia-Pacific region will lead the e-scrap generation growth during the forecast period.

The study conducted by a team of experts at the Harokopio University of Athens, led by Professor Katia Lasaridi notes that per-capita generation of e-scrap is forecast to surge higher by around 20% from 5.6 kilograms (kg) per year in 2016 to 6.7 kg per year.

The largest proportion of e-scrap was generated in the Asia-Pacific countries in 2016 at a rate of 3.6 kg for each inhabitant. The three Asia-Pacific countries with highest e-scrap generation in absolute quantities were China (5.9 Mt), Japan (2.6 Mt) and India (1.5 Mt). Hong Kong and Singapore were the countries with highest e-scrap generation per inhabitant. On the other hand, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Timor Leste, Nepal, Yemen, Malawi and Mali reported lesser e-scrap generation per inhabitant.

The upward trend in quantities of e-scrap arisings across the globe is likely to continue unabated, mainly on account of growth in innovative technologies and widespread use of affordable electronics. The study presents a baseline for the recycling industry and policy makers to make more effective planning to capture e-waste potential, by promoting responsible recycling techniques.

The study report is based on evaluation of real data and extrapolation of figures from around 180 countries across the globe. The report was presented at the recently held BIR Convention & Exhibition at Barcelona, Spain.