The potential value of recyclable metals in discarded mobile phones, laptops and desktop computers in China will more than double to around US$24bn by 2030, according to environmental group Greenpeace forecast.
China, the world’s largest mobile phone market, is trying to promote recycling of electronic waste, or e-waste, to improve its environment, cut costs and ease its dependence on foreign resource imports.
In a report carried out with the China Association of Electronics for Technology Development, Greenpeace said rising consumption levels would take the potential economic value of recyclable metals in mobile phone and computer motherboards to 160bn yuan (US$23.96bn) by 2030.