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Circular Economy. This is a topic that has been talked about a lot recently, yet the “take-make-dispose” model is still overwhelmingly leading our economy. We know that strategically implementing circularity into our systems, organisations, as well as lives can make a big difference. Yet more actions are required to achieve that.
We can create a more sustainable and resilient future by focusing on reusing, repairing, and regenerating.
Just imagine if, instead of extracting resources, polluting the environment, and generating waste, we have circular systems that maximise value and minimise waste in place. This involves extending the life of products, recovering materials, and regenerating natural resources.
Let’s have a look at something we use daily…
Another popular term in our dictionaries has been digitalisation. Just tell me about anyone you know who doesn’t own at least a single piece of electronics, whether it’s a phone, laptop, TV, or other device. Many companies are also looking into new softwares and system optimizations using technology, which often requires new devices or expanding data centres.
In fact, the global production of electronic devices has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to a corresponding increase in e-waste.
Firstly, digitalisation can help reduce carbon footprint as it has many advantages, from paperless lives to system optimisation. On the other hand, electronic devices also have their own digital footprint and, guess what… waste.
The amount of e-waste produced is outpacing recycling efforts by a staggering five times.
Unitar, 2024
In 2022 alone, 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced, equivalent to a line of trucks stretching around the equator. Despite this, only a fraction of e-waste is properly recycled, leading to significant environmental, economic and health risks.
The Impact of E-waste on Our Health
Beyond the environmental and economic challenges, non-recyclable e-waste also heavily affects our health, sometimes in the most subtle ways. If you live near a landfill exposed to toxic fumes, you probably know about the health threats. However, even living miles apart still poses a threat to people as toxic substances penetrate the soil and reach rivers, especially when it rains and, ultimately, even our oceans. The threat of contaminated water stretches to marine life and can be catastrophic for the whole ecosystem. So it doesn’t only affect our health but the entire food chain.
The Role of Circular Model
A circular economy model, which aims to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency, offers a promising solution to the e-waste crisis. By promoting reuse, repair, and recycling, we can significantly reduce our reliance on virgin materials and minimise the environmental impact of electronic waste. Adopting a circular economy approach is crucial to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
What is Circular Bio-economy?
The circular bio-economy is a subset of the circular economy that focuses on using biological resources sustainably. In the context of electronics, this means incorporating biodegradable and renewable materials into the design and manufacturing of electronic products.
By using bio-based materials, we can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental impact of e-waste. Additionally, bio-based materials can often be more easily recycled or composted at the end of their life cycle.
Let’s talk About Doughnut Economy
The doughnut economy is a framework for sustainable development that focuses on meeting human needs without overshooting planetary boundaries. It envisions a future where everyone has access to the essentials for a good life while ensuring that the planet’s ecosystems remain healthy and resilient.
Key Principles of the Doughnut Economy
- Designing systems that restore and revitalize natural ecosystems.
- Ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared fairly among all people.
- Empowering communities and individuals to make decisions about their own lives.
- Minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
Credit: Kate Raworth and Christian Guthier. CC-BY-SA 4.0
Citation: Raworth, K. (2017), Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist. London: Penguin Random House.
The circular economy is a key component of the doughnut economy, as it helps to reduce waste and conserve resources. By applying circular principles to the production and consumption of electronic devices, we can minimise the environmental impact of e-waste and ensure that human needs are met within planetary boundaries.
Practice Responsible E-waste Disposal
We can’t deny it: tech devices have become an essential part of our lives, both personally and professionally. But what happens to all those old gadgets when we upgrade, or they break down? Let’s have a look at how we can use the circular economy principle towards responsible e-waste disposal.
One of the most important things to do is raise awareness about the issue.
While social norms can sometimes discourage e-waste management, research shows that increasing public awareness is crucial.
The more people understand the environmental impact of e-waste, the more motivated they will be to manage it responsibly.
The next step would be partnering with professional IT asset recycling service in order to dispose of electronics. These companies have the expertise and facilities to recycle e-waste and recover valuable materials properly.
The Composition of E-Waste
E-waste consists of a mixture of materials, including metals, plastics, and other components. Some of the most valuable materials found in e-waste include:
- Rare earth elements are essential for producing many electronic devices but are difficult to recycle.
- Metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are often found in electronic components.
- Electronic devices are made from various plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).
On a business level, e-waste can also be reduced by refurbishing or donating, which can further save money. Here are the major categories of e-waste at the office:
- Information and communication technology devices (phones, tablets, etc.)
- Office electronics (computers, printers, etc.)
- Large and small household appliances (refrigerators, hairdryers, etc.)
- Consumer hardware (e-watches, GPS, etc.)
- Monitoring and control tools (smoke detectors, smart building sensors, etc.)
- Lighting devices (LED lamps, switches, etc.)
Innovative Solutions for E-Waste Reduction
Finally, let us introduce you to some more awesome solutions to e-waste reduction.
1. AI-Powered Sorting Systems
AI has been the centre of attention when it comes to innovations, and the field of e-waste is no different. AI-powered systems are revolutionizing e-waste recycling by automating the process. These systems use advanced algorithms, sensors, and cameras to accurately identify and categorize different materials, such as metals, plastics, and circuit boards. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces costs as well as errors.
2. Modular Design
Modular design is becoming increasingly popular as it allows for easier disassembling and recycling of e-waste as it breaks down products into interchangeable components. This not only simplifies the recycling process but also extends the lifespan of devices through repairs and upgrades.
3. 3D Printing
3D printing is not just for creating new products. It can also be used to upcycle e-waste materials. By shredding and processing old circuit boards, for example, we can create filaments for 3D printers. It can be used to create customized parts; thus, this innovative approach reduces the need for new materials, reduces waste and adds value to recycled materials.
4. Blockchain Traceability
Blockchain technology can provide transparency and accountability in e-waste management. By tracking the entire lifecycle of electronic devices, from production to recycling, we can ensure that materials are managed responsibly and ethically. This helps prevent illegal disposal and promotes trust among stakeholders.
Many Other Solutions to E-waste
Since traditional mechanical recycling often struggles to handle complex electronic components, chemical recycling is an option. This allows for the recovery of valuable materials that would otherwise be lost.
Manufacturers can implement take-back programs to collect old or broken electronics for recycling or refurbishment. Moreover, any business or individual can extend the lifespan of electronic devices through repairs and upgrades. And if repairing isn’t an option anymore, reusing components from old electronics to create new products can significantly reduce e-waste.
Finally, we can hold manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life management of their products through extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Let’s develop closed-loop recycling systems that can recover and reuse valuable materials from e-waste!
These innovative solutions are paving the way for a more circular and sustainable future. By embracing these technologies and adopting circular economy principles, we can reduce the environmental impact of e-waste and create a cleaner planet for future generations. E-waste is just one of many examples where circular, biocircular and donought economy can be applied. It’s time to rethink how we produce, consume, and dispose of goods!
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