Market Trends of North America E-Waste Management Industry
United States Prioritizes Domestic E-waste Recycling to Tackle Counterfeiting and Boost Security
In 2022, the United States generated approximately 7.19 million metric tons of electronic waste, making it the second-largest producer globally and the highest in North America. The Environmental Protection Agency collaborates with international governments and environmental officials on e-waste management to improve recycling practices.
The America COMPETES Act of 2022 includes funding for domestic semiconductor production and bans e-waste exports. It incorporates elements from the H.R.3559 – Secure E-waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA), which aims to combat climate change, enhance national security, and strengthen the US economy by promoting domestic e-waste recycling.
As a major producer of electronic waste, the United States is enhancing its recycling capacity to prevent counterfeit goods from reentering its supply chains and to avoid exporting e-waste to China and other countries. Focusing on domestic recycling will help mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit electronics and drive higher standards within the e-waste management industry, ensuring efficient and secure e-waste processing.
SSC's Push for Sustainable Tech and E-Waste Management Boosting Canada's Circular Economy
Waste disposal in Canada increased by 0.5 million tonnes in 2022, reaching a record high of 26.62 million tonnes. As of October 2023, Shared Services Canada (SSC) is dedicated to providing Government of Canada employees with sustainable and secure technology. SSC's Mobile Devices Recycling Program focuses on deterring electronic waste from ending up in landfills by refurbishing, reusing, recycling, or donating old work mobile devices.
Between April 2022 and August 2023, SSC donated over 3,000 devices to the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program and refurbished 1,600 devices for reuse within the government. SSC collaborates with specialized electronics recyclers to securely wipe, repair, and repurpose devices. This initiative supports the Greening Government strategy and has earned SSC recognition from the Global Electronics Council for its sustainable electronics procurement practices.
By extending device lifecycles, SSC contributes to a circular economy, reducing the demand for new devices, minimizing resource extraction, and decreasing the volume of e-waste. SSC's efforts lower environmental impact and stimulate growth and innovation in the e-waste management market, promoting a more sustainable and efficient approach to electronic waste handling.
