The Growing Problem of e-Waste

Users clamoring for new devices or waiting impatiently for the next iteration of a favored product is music to the ears of the average electronics OEM. At the same time, around the world, these same OEMs are coming face to face with the growing issue of e-waste.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in its most recent e-waste report, states that 142,000 computers and more than 416,000 mobile devices are being thrown away every day.

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Electronics products are becoming obsolescent at a faster and faster rate. The end result is a dramatic rise in the amount of e-waste that needs to be handled. In fact, market research firm TechNavio forecast that the global e-waste market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% between 2014 and 2019.

Reverse logistics, then, is going to be an increasingly critical topic for electronics OEMs. The good news is that with some careful planning, these organizations can not only stem the tide of electronics e-waste, but also improve customer service, add a shine to corporate image, and even save money.

Go to our sister site, EBN.com to view an extensive infographic that takes a look at what becomes of electronic gadgets at the end of their life.