From Throwaway to Think Again
A few years ago, I owned a smartphone that functioned perfectly well in terms of features and performance—except for one major issue: the battery would barely hold a charge for more than three hours. Frustrated, I went to the store seeking a solution, and the clerk there advised me that repairing the battery wasn’t worth the cost or effort. Instead, they recommended I simply purchase the newest model available on the market. Reluctantly, I gave in and bought the latest phone, but as I walked home, I found myself pondering a deeper question: Why do we so often treat technology like it’s disposable and easily discarded?
That deep frustration lies at the very core of the circular economy—a transformative vision for creating a world where electronic devices and products are thoughtfully designed to last much longer, to be easily repaired when issues arise, and ultimately to be recycled and repurposed into new products instead of being discarded and dumped as harmful toxic e-waste. This approach aims to drastically reduce environmental damage and waste accumulation by promoting sustainability and resource efficiency throughout the entire product lifecycle.
In the year 2024, the global production of electronic waste, or e-waste, reached an astounding 53.6 million tons, with the vast majority of this discarded material either being dumped into landfills or shipped to other countries for disposal. If humanity continues to follow this unsustainable linear model of “take, make, waste,” we face severe consequences, including the depletion of precious natural resources, increased pollution that harms local communities, and a significant acceleration of climate change effects worldwide.
The circular economy in technology is far more than just a passing buzzword—it represents a fundamental blueprint essential for sustainable survival and long-term success in today’s rapidly evolving world.
What Is the Circular Economy?
At its core, the circular economy is a rejection of the wasteful linear economy we live in today.
- Linear model: Take raw materials → make a product → use it briefly → throw it away.
- Circular model: Design → use → repair → reuse → refurbish → recycle → feed back into production.
This model isn’t merely about recycling—it’s fundamentally about rethinking design, ownership, and responsibility in a comprehensive and transformative way. It encourages us to view devices not simply as disposable or single-use items, but rather as essential and integral elements within a continuous, interconnected, and sustainable lifecycle that promotes long-term environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.
Why the Circular Economy Matters in Technology
1. Environmental Crisis
Electronics depend heavily on rare earth elements, cobalt, and lithium—materials essential for their functionality. However, extracting these resources through mining causes significant destruction to ecosystems and results in the emission of large quantities of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Adopting a circular economy model can significantly reduce the need for new mining by promoting the reuse and recycling of these critical materials.
2. Economic Opportunity
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that the circular economy has the potential to unlock an impressive $4.5 trillion globally by the year 2030. In the technology sector, this shift could lead to a significant increase in jobs related to repair, refurbishment, and urban mining, creating new opportunities and driving sustainable growth.
3. Social Justice
Informal e-waste recycling activities in countries such as Ghana and India often expose workers to hazardous and toxic fumes, posing serious health risks. Establishing a circular system in e-waste management can help create safer, well-regulated employment opportunities, significantly reducing these dangers.
💡 Personal Note: What struck me most when I first read about Agbogbloshie (Ghana’s e-waste dump) wasn’t just the pollution—it was the kids dismantling old electronics for survival. The circular economy gives us a chance to protect them.
Circular Economy in Action: Case Studies
Apple’s Daisy Robot ♻️
- Can disassemble 1.2M iPhones per year.
- Recovers cobalt, gold, and rare earths.
- Devices are designed with disassembly in mind.
Dell’s Closed-Loop Recycling 🔄
- Plastics from old computers → new ones.
- Since 2014, Dell has recycled 100M+ pounds of plastics.
Fairphone 📱
- Modular smartphone: battery, camera, screen all replaceable.
- Uses conflict-free minerals.
- Focus on fair labor conditions.
Framework Laptop 💻
- Fully modular: replace keyboard, ports, screen.
- 10/10 iFixit score.
- Proof that “repairable tech” doesn’t mean ugly or slow.
European Union 🇪🇺
- Circular Economy Action Plan: sets repairability standards, bans single-use plastics.
- Right to Repair laws force companies to provide parts and manuals.
Regional Perspectives
- Europe: Leading in policy (Right to Repair, extended producer responsibility).
- US: Mixed. Progress in states like New York, but strong corporate resistance.
- Asia: Major producer of tech and receiver of e-waste. Some innovation in Japan (urban mining).
- Africa: Often the end destination for e-waste. Circular economy would reduce this burden.
Core Principles of Circular Economy in Tech
- Design for Longevity → Products must last 5–10 years, not 2.
- Repairability & Modularity → Devices should be fixable by design.
- Reuse & Refurbish → Old devices restored to working condition.
- Recycling & Urban Mining → Recover valuable metals safely.
- New Ownership Models → Leasing tech instead of buying it outright.
Benefits Beyond Tech
- Climate Impact: Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than mining new.
- Job Creation: Local repair industries thrive.
- Consumer Savings: Refurbished devices = cheaper, greener.
💡 Personal Experience: I once purchased a refurbished MacBook, and it turned out to be an excellent decision. The price was about 40% lower than buying a brand-new model, yet it functioned flawlessly without any issues. By choosing a refurbished device, I was also helping to keep a perfectly good product in circulation instead of contributing to electronic waste. Overall, it felt like a win-win situation both financially and environmentally.
Challenges and Greenwashing
- Corporate Resistance: Companies profit from short lifespans.
- Consumer Culture: “New is better” mentality.
- Greenwashing: Brands exaggerate sustainability claims.
| Aspect | Genuine Circular Practice | Greenwashing / Marketing Hype |
|---|---|---|
| Product Lifespan | Durable design, modular parts, repairability | Claims of “long-lasting” but no repair options |
| Recycling | Transparent, closed-loop recycling with measurable impact | Vague “eco-friendly” statements without data |
| Materials | Use of certified recycled or renewable inputs | Highlighting a tiny % of recycled content |
| Take-back Programs | Accessible repair, trade-in, or reuse systems | Promotional “return” schemes with little follow-up |
| Transparency | Public reporting of lifecycle impact | Buzzwords like “green,” “eco,” “sustainable” with no proof |
| Innovation | Shifting to service models (leasing, sharing, refurbishing) | Repackaging old models with “green” labels |
What You Can Do: A 10-Step Guide
- Buy refurbished before new.
- Check repairability scores (iFixit).
- Keep devices longer (4–5 years).
- Recycle through certified programs.
- Sell or donate old devices.
- Support modular brands (Fairphone, Framework).
- Avoid unnecessary gadgets.
- Join local repair cafes.
- Back Right to Repair campaigns.
- Educate friends & family.
| Claim | Greenwashing Example | Genuine Circular Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Repairability | “We recycle” but sealed devices | Modular, repairable devices |
| Materials | “Some recycled parts” | 30–50% recycled content |
| Take-back Programs | Only marketing, no actual process | Free, certified recycling centers |
The Future of Circular Economy in Technology
- AI & Robotics: Automating recycling and sorting.
- Blockchain: Transparent supply chains.
- Legislation: Global Right to Repair momentum.
- Consumer Power: Demand is shifting toward sustainability.
Author’s Take
I firmly believe that the circular economy is absolutely inevitable in our future. The real question we need to consider isn’t if we will adopt this model—it’s actually when we will fully embrace it on a global scale. Our natural resources are limited and rapidly depleting, while the amount of waste accumulating around us continues to grow at an alarming rate.
When I decided to repair my laptop instead of simply replacing it with a new one, I came to understand that sustainability isn’t just about protecting the planet—it’s also about reclaiming a sense of control over our possessions and choices. In today’s world, we’ve been conditioned to constantly upgrade and discard devices without much thought, but taking the time to repair something yourself or have it fixed feels truly empowering and rewarding.
The circular economy in technology represents much more than just a system or framework—it embodies a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. This new perspective encourages rethinking how technology is designed, used, and managed, aiming to create sustainable cycles that minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency throughout the entire lifecycle of products.
Conclusion: Closing the Loop
The circular economy offers an innovative and highly sustainable solution to counteract the widespread throwaway culture that is currently prevalent and dominates the fast-paced technology industry. By prioritizing and implementing design strategies that facilitate easy repair and extend the lifespan of devices, actively embracing and promoting refurbishment processes, and committing to responsible and efficient recycling practices, we have a tremendous opportunity to significantly reduce the enormous quantities of electronic waste generated each year across the globe. This forward-thinking approach not only helps conserve valuable natural resources and raw materials but also plays a crucial role in creating a more equitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly digital world that ultimately benefits everyone involved in the technology lifecycle.
🌱 Call to Action: Next time you consider upgrading, pause. Ask: Can I repair this? Can I reuse it? Can I recycle it?
Your choice doesn’t just save money—it shapes the future of technology.
