New Publication: Exploring Integrated Circuit Reuse in Electronic Waste Management
The rapid advancement of digital infrastructure has brought with it a corresponding increase in the consumption and disposal of electronic components. Among these, integrated circuits (ICs) represent a significant environmental challenge due to their ubiquity, complexity, and the resource-intensive processes required for their manufacture. As the volume of discarded electronics continues to grow, the industry is compelled to consider more sustainable approaches to end-of-life (EOL) management.
In collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), our team has published the first in a two-part series examining the implications and opportunities surrounding IC reuse. This perspective paper presents a systems-level view of the potential for IC reuse as a strategy to reduce the impacts of chip manufacturing and mitigate the growing issue of electronic waste. Literature review and stakeholder engagement are used to examine regulatory, technological, and market barriers to IC recovery and reuse, and outline actions needed to enable circular practices in the electronics sector.
A second paper, which we are preparing to submit for publication, builds on this work with a screening-level life cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis (TEA), and four market-based scenarios. Early results suggest that IC recovery can reduce emissions by up to 99% compared to new production, depending on chip type, while offering opportunities for cost savings and job creation.
This research is the result of collaboration between EarthShift Global (Nowell Stoddard, Tom Etheridge, Lise Laurin, and Amos Ncube) and our colleagues across industry and government (Lisa Peterson, Mark Schaffer, Nehika Mathur, and KC Morris).
We look forward to sharing more soon. In the meantime, readers are encouraged to consult the first publication for a deeper understanding of the challenges and choices at hand. (The publication can be accessed from the IEEE website here.) The discussion of IC reuse is still in its early stages, but its relevance to broader goals in circular economy and climate resilience is clear.
Looking for research support, strategic insight, or a partner to co-develop standards and policy? Our team at EarthShift Global brings the right mix of technical expertise and practical experience to help move ideas into action.