Asia Pacific Governments Mull Regulations on E-Waste Recycling

Upon conducting a Strategic Analysis of the Asia-Pacific E-Waste Recycling Market, consulting firm Frost & Sullivan found the market to be worth US$1.85 billion in 2012 and could reach US$4.01 billion in 2017.

The increasing amount of e-waste is being driven by a rapid growth in technology in the Asia-Pacific region. It has prompted governments to consider passing regulations that ensure more efficient disposal of e-waste. The market received a boost from the increasing awareness of the potential value of resources within e-waste.

Prashanth Kay, Energy and Environmental Research Analyst of Frost and Sullivan, commented, “As the Asia-Pacific is aiming to raise the standards of general waste management, recycling of e-waste has come into focus. Though most countries in the Asia-Pacific (region) have not yet established comprehensive regulations on controlling the disposal of e-waste, efforts are being made to study the current state and potential of implementing the right regulatory infrastructure.”

The lack of regulations addressing e-waste has made this region a global collection center for disposal, but it also creates opportunities for market participants. However, consumer awareness about the hazards of unprocessed e-waste disposal remains low and it will harm the market. Also, the heavy investments in e-waste recycling frustrates participants.

Companies come and go in this competitive market. Prashanth Kay noted that participants need to find sizeable amounts of e-waste to justify any significant investment.