{"id":18383,"date":"2015-02-05T12:07:26","date_gmt":"2015-02-05T17:07:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145705.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=18383"},"modified":"2015-02-05T12:07:26","modified_gmt":"2015-02-05T17:07:26","slug":"waste-biz-e-waste-recycling-poised-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sustainablog.org\/articles\/waste-biz-e-waste-recycling-poised-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"The Waste Biz: E-Waste Recycling Poised For Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/p>\n In our shift to a focus on waste<\/a>, I’ve wanted to share stories aimed both at individuals and families, as well as the commercial sector. I think we’ve done much better on the former, so to rectify that imbalance a bit, I’ll start regularly posting gleanings from the business side under “The Waste Biz.” Expect research findings, trends, entrepreneurial activity… you know, business stuff!<\/p>\n We all know that there’s a lot of e-waste being created<\/a>: most of us want the latest thing in terms of gadgets. As a result, computers, cameras, cell phones, and other consumer tech have a replacement rate of five years tops. That rate will continue to shorten as developing economies grow. As an environmentalist, I’m getting a headache; as an entrepreneur, I’m seeing lots of opportunity.<\/p>\n Research publisher Technavio confirms what many might expect: e-waste recycling is poised for growth over the next several years. Their new report Global E-waste Recycling Market 2015-2019<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7 % in the sector through the end of the decade.<\/p>\n Sure, the amount of waste being generated will drive that growth, but Technavio also notes that environmental concerns are also spurring activity. According to the company’s press release on the report<\/a>:<\/p>\n Workers handling the chemicals from e-waste are exposed to serious health risks like damage to the nervous system, cancer, deterioration of metabolism and other similar serious biological effects. E-waste recycling companies have become more cautious about these, and other hazards involved in handling e-waste products.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIncreased awareness of the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in e-waste is the primary reason for the adoption of cautious methods by vendors in the market,\u201d says [Vice President of TechNavio Faisal] Ghaus.<\/em><\/p>\n It strikes me that the non-profit\/NGO sector has an important role to play in the growth of this sector: maintaining and increasing transparency is critical to addressing the health and environmental concerns poised by e-waste. As long as materials are handled responsibly, and workers receive just treatment, I’m glad to see this industry take off. Yes, I’d prefer a decrease in the amount of waste, but that’s a long-term issue.<\/p>\n What do you think about expected growth in e-waste recycling? Share your thoughts with us in the comments…<\/p>\n