Conceptualizing an Optimal Electronic Product Design and End-of-Life Management System

Abstract

The current paper identifies the importance of electronic product reuse, dismantling and component recovery for an environmentally preferable end-of life management system. The optimal system would integrate product design and end- of-life management. The paper identified how European eco-label systems reinforced these important elements through design requirements that support deep disassembly. However, recycling systems have migrated to automated processing that does not take advantage of the design for disassembly features. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) adopted criteria that support both shredding and deep disassembly. The paper concludes by noting that in the U.S. the recycling infrastructure is still largely dependant for its economic sustainability on reuse and component recovery, which does rely on the ability to efficiently disassemble products.