Our project’s central premise was that current electronics recycling methods are a blunt instrument and with the right circular process we can do things much more efficiently and sustainably.
We designed and tested a circular model for used industrial electronics, in which specific sensor products are collected directly from their disposal site and brought to a central location, creating a waste stream composed of one single known product. We then apply a targeted recycling process, designed for the specific product, that recovers more value, more efficiently from each sensor than traditional pyrometallurgy. Working with the OEM we then feed back data and materials / components, closing the loop and enabling design for recycling.
We used automotive tyre pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS) as the electronics product to design and test the model. The project successfully established the core elements of the model. We designed a targeted recycling processes to more efficiently recover value from the sensor, returning materials into circulation and diverting it from landfill. We designed the logistics process to collect the sensors from each disposal site across the UK. We designed and tested the model economics, demonstrating the economic feasibility and identifying key breakeven metrics. We worked with partners across the product lifecycle, including users, OEMs, and recyclers to ensure the circular model worked for all participants.
This same model and learnings can be applied to a wide range of electronics, but is most attractive for products that are disposed of in a subset of known locations and have relatively high critical and valuable mineral content. We are now actively working on expanding the model to attractive electronics types across the UK.
We would love to explore collaboration opportunities with any interested parties. Please contact us at Johnny.longden@rlauto.com for more information.