Americans want to recycle end-of-life electronics
Nov. 19
A market research firm says most Americans would rather recycle their
obsolete and end-of-life electronics than send them to a landfill, and
don´t think they should necessarily be charged for their disposal.
Pike Research, a market research and consulting firm specializing in
global clean technology markets, published the results of the survey
today.
In a survey of 1,000 American consumers, the company found that 76%
wanted their old electronics recycled, and that more than a third felt
e-recycling should be free and part of curbside recycling service
already in place. The company said it expects e-waste to rise to 73
million metric tons worldwide by the end of next year.
When it comes to the cost of e-recycling, survey respondents
underestimated costs associated with e-waste recycling and disposal,
estimating the cost per electronic item at $12. Pike Research said its
analysis is closer to $20 per item. Also, consumers weren´t clear on who
should absorb the costs of e-recycling. The company said 14% felt that
the cost of electronics recycling should be borne by consumers at the
points of purchase, and 10% supported producer responsibility.
The average consumer has 2.8 pieces of unused, broken, or obsolete
electronics equipment in their home or storage area.
More information on the study, "Electronics Recycling and E-Waste
Issues", is available at the company´s Web site, www.pikeresearch.com.
Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at
330-865-6166 or
asmith-teutsch@crain.com
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