# Global electronic waste and urban mining potential

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-electronic-waste-and-urban-mining-potential
> Updated: 2026-09-04T02:48:17.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Global electronic waste production has reached approximately 62 million tons, with projections suggesting it could rise to 82 million tons by 2030. Reports indicate that only about 22.3% of this waste is officially collected and recycled.

There is significant economic potential in ‘urban mining’—the recovery of precious metals from discarded devices. While earlier estimates valued the strategic raw materials in unrecycled e-waste at $62 billion, subsequent data suggests the economic value of metals contained in 2022’s e-waste is approximately $91 billion. This includes $19 billion in copper, $16 billion in iron, and $15 billion in gold. 

Despite this potential, the global economy recovered only about $28 billion worth of materials. Companies are increasingly utilizing advanced recycling methods to support the circular economy and enhance strategic autonomy.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Urban mining offers $91 billion opportunity in electronic waste

Urban mining of electronic waste offers a $91 billion annual global opportunity, yet only 22.3% of e-waste is currently recycled, leaving vast amounts of precious metals like gold and copper untapped.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/urban-mining-offers-91-billion-opportunity-in-electronic-waste

### 2026-08-12: Global e-waste contains $62 billion in recoverable precious metals

Global e-waste has surpassed 62 million tons, containing $62 billion in recoverable metals. Only 22.3% is currently recycled, with volumes expected to reach 82 million tons by 2030.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-e-waste-contains-62-billion-in-recoverable-precious-metals

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Cite as: Global electronic waste and urban mining potential. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-electronic-waste-and-urban-mining-potential