The value of waste from electronic equipment will grow

The value of waste from electronic equipment will grow beyond $11bn (E8.3bn) by 2009 – with plastics taking an increasing share.

A report from BCC in the US estimates the current market at $7.2bn (E5.4bn). Metals account for nearly 59%, plastics for 35%. By 2009, the proportions are expected to be 56% for metals and 38% for plastics. This corresponds to a value of E6.2bn for metals and nearly E4.2bn for plastics.

The main driver for the market is regulatory pressure – such as the WEEE Directive in the EU. Electronic waste currently accounts for around 1% of solid waste in developed countries, which should rise to 2% by 2010. Developing countries – led by China – will begin to generate far more electronic waste in the future, says the report.