Industry Insights
The U.S. electronic goods recycling market size was estimated at USD 10.05 billion in 2017. Rapid industrialization and intensifying need to reuse waste material to meet high demand from consumers are anticipated to boost revenue generation in the market. Additionally, consumer preferences for environment-friendly products, rising demand for electronic goods, and stringent regulations encouraging recycling process are some of the key drivers for market.
U.S. electronic good recycling market revenue split, by type, 2017 (% share)
Rapid growth of consumer electronics is leading to upsurge in need for recycling of industry waste. E-waste is hazardous for living beings and environment. Wastage of spare parts, metal, recycled plastic, and E-waste, among others not only threatens the human and environment safety but also makes it difficult to meet raw material requirement.
Mounting piles of electronic waste worldwide are encouraging electronic goods recycling. Average life of computers is 18 to 25 months, creating huge demand for reinstallations. Owing to upsurge in demand for new computers and replacement of older ones, technologically advanced products are being developed at a faster pace.
The government of U.S. is supporting the recycling industry by implementing rules and laws such as the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship to reduce, reuse, and recycle wastage. For instance, in 2017, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Taiwan EPA, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia co-hosted International E-waste Management Network’s (IEMN) annual meeting. Theme of the meeting was “Taking the Next Step in Advancing E-Waste Management”, which emphasized on trends for regional E-waste management, innovations in recent policies, and engaging the recycling industry to optimize reuse of E-waste.
Furthermore, the U.S. and some ASEAN members presented a study of E-waste management practices and innovations in their respective countries. The meeting was attended by more than 40 participants from public and private sectors and technical experts from 14 countries across the globe.
Segmentation by Type, 2015 - 2025 (USD Billion)
• Computer Systems
• Televisions
• Mobile Devices
The U.S. electronic goods recycling market is segmented on the basis of type of waste into computer systems, televisions, and mobile devices. Waste from computer systems consists of key boards, printers, mouse, LEDs or LCDs, wires, and other micro components of CPU.
Televisions and other electronic products include mercury, lead, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and cadmium, which are hazardous for environment and results in numerous health problems. Recycling protects environment against harmful substances and reuses the waste, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.
Segmentation by End-User, 2015 - 2025 (USD Billion)
• Metal Wholesalers and Reprocessors
• Electronic Goods Manufacturers
• Others
Based on end-users, the U.S. electronic goods recycling market is divided into metal wholesalers and reprocessors, electronic goods manufacturers, and others. E-waste can be utilised for manufacturing TVs, monitors, mobile phones, and other such electronic devices.
Initial processes of recycling include collection and segregation of waste, which are long and expensive processes. Time and high cost involved in recycling waste are expected to hinder market growth. However, growing volume of waste and rising awareness regarding recycled products among manufacturers and consumers are augmenting the market. Industry players are focusing on innovative ways of recycling E-waste to minimise harmful environmental effects.
Competitive Landscape
Key industry players are anticipated to retain their shares in the U.S. electronic goods recycling market by engaging in research and development (R&D) activities. This is likely to help them to come up with innovative solutions for minimising recycling cost and time. The market is marked by presence of prominent players such as Ultimate Electronic Recycling Inc.; American Iron & Electronic Goods; Armco Electronic Goods Holdings, Inc.; and Commercial Electronic Goods Company.
Strong competition among small and large players and timely implementation of government rules are the major challenges faced by key players operating in the market. Companies are developing advanced ways to improve production capacity of manufacturing plants to sustain competition.
