Electronic and electrical products have become indispensable and ubiquitous in many
facets of our daily lives. The quantity with which electronic and electrical products are
produced, consumed and discarded is growing rapidly. In addition, the lifespans of these
products are getting shorter with many products still functioning when disposed of.
Consequently, the combined result of shortened product lifespans with growing demand
and consumption of electronic and electrical products, in both developed and developing
countries is the escalating growth in end-of-life electrical and electronic products.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is highly toxic and is the fastest growing waste stream. Unlike
many other categories of waste, e-waste has particularly unique qualities. It not only
contains many highly toxic substances it also contains valuable materials and precious
metals.
This study highlights particular aspects of obsolescence and e-waste processing which have
implications for the design of electronic and electrical products in our throwaway society.
It investigates growing concerns about the flows of e-waste from industrialised countries to
the developing world where hazardous recycling takes place by a burgeoning informal
sector. Many of whom are marginalized social groups who resort to e-waste recycling for
income and survival. Furthermore, this paper outlines the opportunities for efficient and
economical resource recovery and how the design of electronic and electrical products can
contribute to improve the integrity and value of recyclates and facilitate safe and efficient
end-of-life resource recovery.
DRS 2012 Bangkok
