Global e-waste contains $62 billion in recoverable precious metals

Global electronic waste has exceeded 62 million tons, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor report prepared by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Currently, only 22.3% of this waste is officially recycled. Projections suggest that global e-waste could reach 82 million tons by 2030.

Unrecycled electronic waste contains approximately $62 billion worth of strategic raw materials, including gold, copper, aluminum, silver, palladium, and nickel. These materials represent a significant opportunity for the circular economy, providing raw materials for industry and new business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

In Turkey, approximately 700,000 tons of electronic waste are generated annually. While the potential economic value of recovering these materials in Turkey is estimated at 700 million euros, only 5% of the country's electronic waste is currently recycled.