E-Waste Recycling is big bucks


 

Approximately 3.5 million tons of electronics were recycled by the domestic recycling industry in 2010, a report from the International Data Corporation said.

The e-waste recycling industry employs more than 30,000 workers and has an estimated revenue of more than $5 billion, said David Daoud, the company’s research director.

“This survey shows a booming electronics recycling industry and prescribes a clear path for even more growth,” said Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, in a statement. “Electronics recyclers are creating American jobs, adopting an industry standard that will help sustain growth and are recycling electronics here at home.”

The survey points to growth in the market, because American households account for most of the new electronics market, but only contribute to 26% of the recycling market.