Does the increasing problem of electronic waste and its environmental impact worry you? As technology advances, the disposal of old electronics becomes a significant challenge. Fortunately, there’s a solution at hand. This article will introduce you to the 15 best e-waste companies and startups to watch in 2025 and beyond.
These companies are leading the way in sustainable e-waste management, recycling, and repurposing. Whether you are a consumer looking to recycle your old devices responsibly or a business seeking e-waste management solutions, this list will guide you to the industry’s most innovative and environmentally conscious companies.
What is E-Waste?
Before getting straight to the best e-waste companies and startups out there right now, let’s first understand what e-waste is.
Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, encompasses discarded electronic devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. Proper disposal is important because these devices may contain harmful materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, that can be hazardous to the environment and human health.
E-waste is a growing concern globally as technology advances and more devices are discarded.
The market for electronics is experiencing a substantial surge owing to the rapid development of technology and the rise in the use of electronic devices.
However, this growth has also led to a surge in e-waste pollution, posing environmental and health risks.
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According to Statista, the e-waste management market across the world had a valuation of USD 58.86 billion in 2023. It is projected to reach a valuation of USD 137 billion by 2029.
This growth is driven by increasing electronic waste generation, stringent regulations regarding e-waste disposal, and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of improper e-waste management.
Despite the potential of the e-waste market, the improper disposal of e-waste remains a significant challenge.
Many countries lack proper e-waste recycling facilities, leading to e-waste being dumped in landfills or processed in informal recycling facilities, posing health and environmental risks.
Environmental and Economic Implications
The improper disposal of e-waste poses serious health, environmental, and climate risks. In 2022 alone, $62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources were left unaccounted for due to inadequate e-waste management.
On a positive note, recycling metals from e-waste instead of extracting new raw materials avoided approximately 52 million metric tons of planet-warming emissions in the same year.
Technological Advancements in E-Waste Management
The e-waste management industry is witnessing significant technological advancements:
- AI and robotics are being developed for various applications, including identifying and removing batteries, and determining less labor-intensive processing methods.
- Advanced recycling technologies and eco-design are emerging as major trends.
- Digital solutions are being integrated into e-waste management processes, enhancing efficiency and traceability.
Market Growth and Regional Insights
The global e-waste management market is experiencing significant growth. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately $70 billion and is projected to reach $81.27 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%.
By 2028, the market is expected to reach $118.32 billion, growing at a CAGR of 14.0%.
Regionally, Europe leads in e-waste recycling efficiency, with a recycling rate of 42.8%. However, the Asia Pacific region dominated the market in 2024, holding 47.5% of the share and showing significant potential for further growth.
Challenges and Innovative Solutions
The widening gap between e-waste generation and recycling capacity continues to pose a major challenge. To address this issue, companies and governments are implementing improved collection systems, such as setting up collection points at shopping malls, to boost recycling rates.
Furthermore, organizations are rolling out Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and launching public awareness campaigns to combat the e-waste crisis.
These initiatives aim to educate consumers, increase participation in recycling efforts, and hold manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. By combining these strategies, stakeholders hope to bridge the gap between e-waste production and proper recycling, ultimately reducing the environmental impact of discarded electronic devices.
Let let’s look at at 10 e-waste companies making a difference in 2025.
e-Waste Companies Making a Difference
Tetronics
Tetronics, a world leader in electronic waste (e-waste) recycling, provides innovative solutions for recovering valuable precious metals from this rapidly growing waste stream.
Tetronics’ plasma technology is used for the treatment of various waste streams, including industrial, hazardous, and electronic waste. Their systems are designed to safely and efficiently recover valuable resources from waste, reduce waste volume, and eliminate hazardous materials.
- Precious Metal Recovery: Tetronics’ plasma recovery technology extracts valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum from discarded electronics. Their expertise ensures efficient and sustainable recovery, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
- Environmental Responsibility: By safely handling hazardous materials found in e-waste, Tetronics contributes to a cleaner planet. Their commitment to eliminating toxins aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact.
- Industry Leadership: With over 50 years of operation, Tetronics stands as an established industry leader. Their deep understanding of e-waste recovery management positions them as a reliable partner for law firms and businesses seeking sustainable solutions.
- Diverse Recovered Products: Tetronics looks beyond e-waste to identify valuable constituents. They recover products from various sources, including spent catalysts (containing Platinum Group Metals), as well as copper, gold, silver, and PGM from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
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ERI
ERI is a respected company offering I.T. and electronics asset disposition services. They specialize in dismantling electronic waste in an environmentally safe and socially responsible manner.
ERI offers a comprehensive suite of services, including electronic recycling, I.T. asset disposition, data destruction, and OEM compliance. Their state-of-the-art e-waste shredding system maximizes economic benefits and commodity returns for clients.
- Comprehensive E-Waste Solutions: ERI’s state-of-the-art facilities handle various aspects of e-waste, including E-scrap Shredding, Cathode Ray Tube Glass (CRT), Flat Panel Video Display, PV/Solar Recycling, and more.
- Data Security and Environmental Responsibility: ERI assigns a unique serial number to each device, enabling end-to-end monitoring through their proprietary software. All devices undergo data wiping following Department of Defense and National Institute of Standards and Technology protocols, guaranteeing 100 data destruction.
- Industry Expertise and Nationwide Reach: Certified to de-manufacture, recycle, and refurbish all types of electronic devices, ERI processes over a billion pounds of e-waste annually across its eight certified locations. Serving every zip code in the United States.
AMP Robotics
AMP Robotics is a pioneering company that develops robotic systems for sorting recyclable materials. Their AI-guided robots efficiently process a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and fibers. The company’s technology leverages artificial intelligence to guide robots in sorting recyclable materials, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of recycling processes. This innovative approach supports various sectors, including paper, metal, and electronics recycling.
- High-Volume Shredding Capability: AMP Robotics claims its platform delivers higher pick rates (up to 80 items per minute) compared to manual processes. Their proprietary e-waste shredders can shred over 30,000 pounds per hour.
- Data-Driven Automation: AMP’s proprietary AI technology applies computer vision and deep learning to guide high-speed robotics systems. AMP’s technology allows for precise identification and recovery of e-waste materials, maximizing the value that can be extracted from these complex waste streams.
- Economic and Environmental Impact: By modernizing recycling, AMP Robotics lowers labour costs, increases material value. Their efforts contribute to worker safety, resource recovery, and reducing landfill waste.
- Partnerships and Global Deployments: AMP Robotics has expanded its presence across North America, Asia, and Europe. Partnerships with industry giants like Waste Connections have made it the largest operator of AI-guided robotics in the recycling industry.
Sims Lifecycle Services
The Australian Sims Lifecycle Services was founded in 2002 to address the growing issue of e-waste. Sims Recycling Services is one of the largest e-waste companies in the world.
It operates globally with a presence in 50 locations across five continents. Annually, they process an impressive 475,000 tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste), demonstrating their commitment to responsible recycling and resource recovery.
- True “End-of-Life” Recycling: Sims E-Recycling, the Australian e-waste division of Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS), guarantees the secure and environmentally friendly disposal of electronic equipment and IT assets. They specialize in the total reuse and recycling of redundant computer equipment, TVs, mobile phones, and all other electronic materials.
- Comprehensive Service: Sims offers a comprehensive service to collect, reuse, and recycle retired IT assets and electronics at their dedicated facilities across Australia.
- High-Volume Shredding and Sorting: Sims Metal employs proprietary e-waste shredders that can shred over 30,000 pounds per hour. Their efficient shredding technology facilitates the sorting and separation of plastics from metals and internal circuitry. An overhead magnet separates iron and steel from the waste stream, collecting ferrous material for sale as recycled steel.
- Environmental Responsibility: Sims acknowledges the First Nations people of the lands where it operates and recognizes their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. It actively contributes to environmental responsibility by safely handling hazardous materials found in e-waste.
- Global Reach and Vast Operations: Sims E-Waste Recycling is one of the world’s largest electrical and electronics recovery and recycling companies, processing 475,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.
Umicore
Umicore is a global materials technology and recycling group focusing on reducing harmful emissions, powering future vehicles and technologies, and giving new life to used metals.
The company’s sustainable value creation is based on developing, producing, and recycling materials for a better life. Umicore, a leading player in the field of e-waste recycling, demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible management of electronic waste.
- E-waste Process: Umicore’s e-waste recycling process involves material preparation, valorization of precious metals and battery removal. Its expertise extends to a wide range of materials, including spent automotive catalysts, spent industrial catalysts, and incineration bottom ashes.
- CEWASTE Project and Critical Raw Materials: Umicore actively participated in the CEWASTE project, funded by the EU’s research and innovation program. CEWASTE successfully developed a voluntary certification scheme for collecting, transporting, and treating waste containing valuable and critical raw materials (CRMs).
- Precious Metal Recovery and Environmental Responsibility: Its state-of-the-art recycling technology ensures the recovery of CRMs such as cobalt, lithium, indium, antimony, platinum group metals, gold, and silver. Their processes adhere to the strictest environmental standards, minimizing the impact of e-scrap recycling.
- Global Impact and Circular Economy: This company advocates for making the CEWASTE standard mandatory, emphasizing the importance of better raw material recovery for a resource-efficient and circular economy.
Boliden
Boliden is a Swedish company that deals with metals and mining. They are involved in exploring, mining, smelting, and recycling different types of metals such as zinc, copper, lead, nickel, gold, and silver. Boliden, a global leader in sustainable materials and recycling, stands out in the realm of e-waste management.
- Rönnskär Smelter -Largest Electronic Material Recycler: Boliden’s Rönnskär smelter in northern Sweden is one of the world’s largest recyclers of metal from electronic material. With an annual capacity of 120,000 tonnes, it processes electrical material, including circuit boards from computers and mobile phones sourced primarily from Europe.
- Recycling process: The e-waste recycling process typically involves mechanical pre-treatment (dismantling, sorting, and shredding) followed by metallurgical processes (smelting and refining) to recover the valuable materials.
- Compliance with regulations: Boliden’s e-waste recycling operations comply with relevant environmental regulations and directives, such as the European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
- Partnerships and collaborations: Boliden collaborates with various organizations, including municipalities, electronics manufacturers, and waste management companies, to facilitate the collection and recycling of e-waste.
Stena Metall Group
Stena Metall Group specializes in recycling and processing metals, paper, electronics, hazardous waste, and chemicals. The company also engages in international trading of steel, metals, and oil, offering quality-assured solutions to various industries and sectors of society.
- E-waste Recycling Facilities: Stena Metall Group operates several dedicated e-waste recycling facilities across Europe, including in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Poland.
- Collection and Logistics: The company has established a network for the collection and transportation of e-waste from various sources, such as households, businesses, and municipalities.
- Recycling Process: At their recycling facilities, Stena Metall Group employs various processes to dismantle, sort, and separate the different components of e-waste. This includes the recovery of metals (e.g., copper, aluminum, precious metals), plastics, and other valuable materials.
- High-Quality Recycled Raw Materials: The resulting high-quality recycled raw materials, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastic, and paper, are resold for use in manufacturing worldwide.
- Research and Development: The company invests in research and development to improve and optimize its e-waste recycling processes, aiming to maximize material recovery and minimize environmental impact.
Noveon Magnetics
Originally known as Urban Mining Company, Noveon Magnetics is the sole manufacturer of sustainable rare earth magnets in the United States. These magnets are crucial for various technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and medical devices.
Noveon Magnetics employs a proprietary technology to recycle end-of-life magnets and create new, more potent magnets from e-waste.
- Magnet-to-Magnet Recycling Process Noveon Magnetics has developed the patented Magnet-to-Magnet recycling process. This innovative technology enables the cost-effective production of high-performance sintered NdFeB magnets from end-of-life and scrap-magnet feedstocks.
- Environmental Impact Reduction: Noveon’s products and processes eliminate the most harmful aspects of rare earth mining and traditional magnet manufacturing. They achieve 90% energy savings compared to conventional methods and reduce environmental impact by 50%.
- EcoFlux Magnets from 100% Recycled Materials: Noveon’s EcoFlux magnets are sourced directly from waste magnetic material. They use existing infrastructure to deliver superior magnets made from 100% recycled, sustainably sourced materials.
These magnets play a vital role in powering a clean, electric, and energy-efficient economy. - Partnerships and collaborations: The company collaborates with various stakeholders, including e-waste recyclers, electronics manufacturers, and rare earth magnet producers, to secure a steady supply of e-waste and facilitate the recycling process.
REMONDIS Sverige
REMONDIS Sverige is part of the REMONDIS Group, a global leader in recycling, services, and water management. The company focuses on delivering sustainable recycling and waste management solutions in Sweden, contributing to the protection of natural resources and the fight against climate change. REMONDIS is a global provider of e-waste recycling services.
- Comprehensive e-waste collection and processing: REMONDIS Sverige offers comprehensive services for the collection, transportation, and processing of electronic waste (e-waste) or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from various sources, including households, businesses, and municipalities.
- Advanced recycling facilities: The company operates state-of-the-art recycling facilities equipped with specialized machinery and processes for disassembling, sorting, and separating different components of e-waste, such as metals, plastics, and printed circuit boards.
- Innovative Technologies: REMONDIS Sverige actively develops new technologies to recover more raw materials and reintegrate them into production cycles. Notable examples include TetraPhos®, a process for recovering phosphorus, and RESPRAY, Used for recycling aerosol cans.
- Material recovery: Through its recycling processes, the company aims to recover a wide range of valuable materials from e-waste, including precious metals (e.g., gold, silver, palladium), base metals (e.g., copper, aluminum), and rare earth elements.
Cohen Recycling
Cohen Recycling is a family-owned company established in 1924, specializing in ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling. It is one of the largest metal recycling companies in North America, dedicated to sustainable and responsible recycling practices. Cohen prioritizes responsible electronics recycling. They make it easy for individuals and businesses to dispose of unwanted electronic devices.
- Advanced E-Waste Processing System: Cohen Recycling has invested in a state-of-the-art e-waste processing system.
This facility can process more than 20,000 pounds of e-waste per hour. - Job Creation and Regional Impact: The expansion of their e-waste unit not only benefits the environment but also adds new jobs to the facility and the region.
- Drive-Thru Recycling Centers: Cohen Recycling operate drive-thru recycling centers where household electronics can be dropped off for recycling.
- IoT-Enabled Tracking and Tracing: Cohen employs the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor electronic devices and their journey within the recycling ecosystem. IoT-enabled sensors provide real-time data on e-waste movement, storage, and processing.
- Client Customization: For business partners, Cohen Recycling offers customized recycling solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients and industries.
Redwood Materials
Redwood Materials is a promising start-up based in Nevada, United States, that is focused on recycling and recovering materials from lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste.
This company is positioning itself as a crucial player in the circular economy for lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste, aiming to create a sustainable and efficient recycling system that reduces the environmental impact and promotes the reuse of valuable materials.
- Circular Supply Chain for Lithium-ion Batteries: Redwood Materials is on a mission to create a circular supply chain that powers a sustainable world. They recognize the global imperative to electrify and reduce fossil fuels, with batteries as a crucial solution. By focusing on cathode and anode materials, Redwood aims to close the loop and ensure critical metals move efficiently within North America.
- Engineering Sustainability: Their approach involves recycling and refining materials from an increasing number of recycled batteries. Services include collection, storage, material-specific recycling, hydrometallurgical metal refining, and remanufacturing of anode and cathode battery components.
- Strategic Partnerships: Redwood collaborates with visionary partners who share their commitment to a sustainable transportation and energy future. Notable partners include Volkswagen Group of America, Panasonic, Southern Company, Volvo, Lyft, Toyota, ERI, and Ford.
- Significant Funding: Redwood Materials received over $700 million in its series C funding and is now valued at $3.8 billion. The substantial funding raised by Redwood Materials highlights the increasing interest and investment in battery recycling and electronic waste management solutions.
Aqua Metals
Aqua Metals is a company that has developed a unique electrochemical process for recycling lead-acid batteries and recovering valuable materials from electronic waste (e-waste).
By leveraging its innovative AquaRefining technology, Aqua Metals aims to provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for recycling lead-acid batteries and recovering valuable materials.
- AquaRefining process: Aqua Metals has developed a proprietary technology called AquaRefining, which is an electrochemical process that involves dissolving and separating metals from lead-acid batteries and other e-waste using an aqueous solution.
This process is designed to be more environmentally friendly and efficient compared to traditional smelting methods. - Lead Recover & Other Metals: The AquaRefining process is particularly effective in recovering lead from lead-acid batteries, which is a major component of e-waste. In addition, the AquaRefining process can also recover other valuable metals such as copper, aluminum, and precious metals like gold and silver.
- Modular and scalable facilities: Aqua Metals has developed modular and scalable recycling facilities, known as AquaRefining facilities, which can be deployed in various locations to process e-waste and lead-acid batteries.
- Partnerships and Expansion: Aqua Metals has signed agreements with partners like Dragonfly Energy Corporation and has deployed AquaRefining equipment internationally. The company is expanding its operations and technology globally to meet the growing demand for sustainable metal recycling solutions.
Reconome
Reconome, a British startup, combines refurbishment, recycling, and sustainability to tackle e-waste head-on. The company employs sanitization software to erase all data from devices during collection. Subsequently, they offer these refurbished products to consumers at reduced prices, actively contributing to the reduction of e-waste in circulation.
- Holistic Approach to E-Waste: Recono.me partners with UK businesses, schools, and charities to rehome IT hardware where it will have the greatest social impact. Their services span the entire lifecycle of devices, from collection to repair, reuse, and recycling.
- Data Security and Sustainability: Recono.me uses sanitization software to wipe all data from devices during collection, ensuring data security. By extending the life of IT equipment, they contribute to a more sustainable approach to e-waste management.
- Certified B Corp and Collaborative Spirit: Recono.me is part of the B Corp community, standing among great companies like Patagonia, Danone, and Triodos Bank. They believe in the power of collaboration to solve big problems and actively seek partnerships with organizations that share their mission.
Ridwell
Ridwell is a Seattle-based e-waste recycling startup that focuses on making it easy for people to reuse and recycle hard-to-recycle items sustainably. The company provides bags for customers to store items like plastic film, batteries, light bulbs, and threads and offers convenient pickups from their front door. Ridwell operates in more than 40 cities and municipalities across the Pacific Northwest and has expanded its services to include Denver.
- Subscription-based service: Ridwell members can have their hard-to-recycle items picked up from their homes every two weeks. The company collaborates with vetted partners to ensure that the collected items are recycled or reused effectively.
- Accepted e-waste items: Ridwell accepts a wide range of e-waste items for recycling, including computers, laptops, monitors, televisions, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, cables, and various other electronic devices and components
- Repair, Reuse, Recycle: Skilled engineers refurbish devices, giving them a second life. Anything beyond repair is safely recycled, ensuring nothing goes to landfill.
- Curbside collection: Ridwell offers curbside collection services for e-waste and other recyclable materials. Customers can schedule pickups and leave their e-waste items in designated bags or bins provided by Ridwell.
In Summary
The e-waste challenge demands bold and innovative solutions, and these e-waste companies and startups are rising to the occasion. With their cutting-edge recycling processes, commitment to the environment, and vision for a circular economy, they are redefining e-waste management. As we look towards 2025 and beyond, these industry leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future, where valuable resources are recovered and reused, minimizing the environmental impact of our digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is e-waste?
E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and components, such as computers, smartphones, TVs, and other consumer electronics, that are no longer in use.
Why is e-waste management important?
Proper e-waste management is crucial for reducing environmental pollution, recovering valuable materials, preventing toxic substances from entering the ecosystem, and promoting sustainable resource use.
What services do e-waste companies provide?
E-waste companies offer services such as collection, recycling, refurbishment, data destruction, and safe disposal of electronic devices and components.
How do these e-waste companies contribute to sustainability?
These companies contribute to sustainability by ensuring that electronic waste is properly processed, valuable materials are recovered and reused, and harmful substances are safely managed, reducing the overall environmental impact.
What innovations are these e-waste companies implementing?
Innovations include advanced recycling technologies, automated sorting systems, environmentally friendly extraction processes, and circular economy models that extend the lifecycle of electronic products.
References
Statista: Global Electronic Waste Management Market Value from 2022 to 2029
The World Counts: Tons of Waste Dumped Yearly Facts
Globe News Wire: Emission Control Catalysts Global Market Report 2024
Grand View Research: Magnetic Materials Market Analysis and Forecast 2022 – 2030