The volume of obsolete electronics equipment entering the world’s landfills continues to rise and is expected to reach 73 million metric tons by 2010, placing a significant burden on solid waste management systems.

Thank goodness that more and more folks are recycling. According to a recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans published by Pike Research
(a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets), consumer awareness of the e-waste threat is increasing, and 76% of respondents stated that recycling is the most appropriate way to handle unused, broken, or obsolete electronics equipment at the end of its useful life.

“The consumer is an integral link in the chain for electronics recycling and e-waste management,” says managing director Clint Wheelock. “In order for the industry to achieve its goals, consumer values, attitudes, and behavior will need to support responsible handling of end-of-life electronics equipment. Popular sentiment is also essential to support the political will of governments as they strive to mitigate e-waste issues through legislation and regulation.”

Key findings of Pike Research’s survey include the following consumer insights:

° 37% of consumers felt that electronics recycling should be free, and an additional 35% stated that electronics should be collected and processed as part of a curbside recycling program.

° Only 14% felt that the cost of electronics recycling should be borne by consumers at the points of purchase or recycling. 10% supported the concept of “producer responsibility” where the manufacturer pays, an approach increasingly being adopted by many original equipment manufacturers.

° The average consumer has 2.8 pieces of unused, broken, or obsolete electronics equipment in their home or storage area.

° The average consumer surveyed estimated that the cost of collecting, hauling, demanufacturing, and recycling a single piece of used electronics equipment is US$12; however, Pike Research’s analysis indicates that the true cost is more than $20.