How can designers collaborate with recyclers to optimize material recovery from e-waste?

1 Understand the material flows

Understand the material flows of e-waste, from production to consumption to disposal. This can be done using a tool called material flow analysis (MFA), which tracks the quantities, qualities, and locations of materials in a system. MFA can help designers identify the sources, destinations, and losses of e-waste, as well as the opportunities and barriers for recycling and reuse. For example, a MFA of e-waste in Ghana revealed that only 15% of e-waste was collected and processed by formal recyclers, while the rest was dumped or burned in informal sites, causing pollution and health risks.

2 Design for durability and modularity

Design products that last longer and can be easily repaired, upgraded, or customized. This can reduce the demand for new products and the generation of e-waste, as well as increase the value and quality of the materials for recycling. For instance, Fairphone is a modular smartphone that allows users to replace or upgrade parts such as the battery, camera, or screen, without buying a new device. Fairphone also sources its materials from ethical and sustainable suppliers, and supports e-waste collection and recycling programs in Africa and Asia.

3 Design for disassembly and separation

Design products that can be easily taken apart and separated into different materials. This can facilitate the recycling process and increase the recovery rate and purity of the materials. For example, Dell has developed a design for disassembly (DfD) guide that specifies the use of snap fits, screws, and labels instead of glues, welds, and mixed materials. Dell also uses recycled plastics from e-waste in some of its products, such as monitors and keyboards.

4 Design for circularity and innovation

Design products that can be reused, remanufactured, or transformed into new products or services. This can create new value and opportunities for e-waste, as well as reduce the need for virgin materials and energy. Precious Plastic is a global network of makers and innovators who use DIY machines and tools to turn plastic waste into new products, such as furniture, jewelry, or art. Previous Plastic also provides online platforms and resources for sharing solutions.

5 Collaborate with stakeholders and users

Collaborate with different stakeholders and users involved in the e-waste system, such as producers, consumers, recyclers, regulators, and NGOs. This can foster mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation, as well as generate insights, feedback, and solutions. For example, The Restart Project is a social enterprise that organizes community events where people can learn how to repair their broken electronics, or donate them to local recyclers. The Restart Project also advocates for policy changes and consumer rights to promote a culture of repair and reuse.

6 Communicate the benefits and challenges

Communicate the benefits and challenges of sustainable design for e-waste management, both internally and externally. This can raise awareness, educate, and motivate different audiences, such as customers, investors, employees, and policymakers, to support and adopt sustainable practices and behaviors. E-Waste World Conference & Expo is an annual event that showcases the latest innovations, trends, and solutions for e-waste prevention, recovery, and recycling. The event also provides a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors and regions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?