Consumer electronics offer the potential to improve quality of life and broaden education and access to information. Unfortunately, the rapidly growing demand of consumer electronics has led to unsustainable amounts of waste electrical & electronic equipment (WEEE), which contain hazardous substances that pose health and environmental concerns. On the other hand, the presence of valuable metals in the WEEE stream constitutes economic opportunities for the recycling industry. Based on the foregoing, we propose a symposium along three main thrusts, as follows: (i) Tackling the urgent WEEE issue through Recovery and Recycling of components from existing WEEE; (ii) Incorporating Sustainability Principles in Current practices; (iii) Re-envisioning Electronics Design. We will therefore feature talks (both invited and contributed) on Sustainable urban mining practices and plastic waste treatment to recover and recycle materials found in WEEE; Opportunities, within Current Practices, for the Development of New Circular Processes in the Electronics Industry, towards more energy-efficient and green chemistry principles-based processes; New Eco-Centric Paradigm for Electronics Component and Device Design. According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, new electronics must be designed from the get-go for sustainability. These strategies can range from “designing for durability” to “designing for adaptability and repairability”. One sustainable technology platform of particular interest for IoT, smart packaging, flexible and wearable electronics is based on biodegradable materials.

circular economy critical materials degradable devices electronic material energy storage healable microelectronics semiconducting toxicity