Design decisions can help (or hinder) the recycling process. In this next video Ruud Balkenende, Professor of Circular Product Design at Delft University of Technology will introduce a number of design guidelines and explain why they can improve the recyclability of electrical and electronic equipment.

Main Takeaways

• How effectively a product’s materials can be recovered through recycling is largely determined by choices made during its design phase.
• Design for Recycling starts by understanding how a product will likely be recycled.
• Recycling is not the only circular strategy to consider, and it may conflict with or complement design for repair or refurbishment.

Further Readings (optional)

Below we have listed a few useful resources on DfR guidelines (for electrical and electronic equipment). They are not required to complete the course.

• Martínez Leal, J., Pompidou, S., Charbuillet, C., & Perry, N. (2020). Design for and from recycling: A circular ecodesign approach to improve the circular economy. Sustainability, 12(23), 9861.
• Design for and from Recycling: Practical Guidelines for Designers (PolyCE, March 2021)

In module 3 we will look in more detail at the recycling process (and resulting DfR guidelines) for plastics. On the next page we have summarised the guidelines from the video above.