Chapter 3. A Circular Economy for Consumer Electronics

Abstract

Almost 50 million tonnes of electronic waste are produced every year, exposing people and the environment to toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, chromium and brominated flame retardants, which can also accumulate in soils, water and food. This chapter explores electronic waste as a consequence of the current take-make-waste linear system and examines the benefits of shifting to a circular economy. A circular economy is an approach that entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and focuses on regenerating economic, human and natural capital. The transition towards a circular economy for electronics requires more than improved electronic waste management, it calls for creativity and innovation in design, reverse logistics, and business models. There are three essential ambitions that will facilitate this shift: (1) design, to keep products, components and materials in use for longer; (2) enhance reverse logistics, remanufacturing, parts harvesting and recycling processes; (3) put in place the right enabling conditions. This chapter tracks current progress in these fields, and showcases examples of designs, products and initiatives that are contributing to the transition. It also explores how the electronics sector itself can help accelerate the transition to the broader circular economy.