Throughout this module we have seen how the recycling process for waste electrical and electronic products informs guidelines that help to optimise your design for recyclability. In this first assignment you will assess the design of the vacuum cleaner and that of the electric kettle based on these guidelines.

 

Complete the following steps:

1. Revisit the DfR guidelines in unit 2.2 and read them carefully.
2. Examine the detailed images of both products (on the following pages) closely. Each image will show a design decision that either positively or negatively impacts recyclability.
3. Then reflect on the following questions for each image:
   • Which design choice is shown on the image? Does it improve or decrease the recyclability of the product?
   • Explain why.

Continue to the next page to have a closer look at the vacuum cleaner.