The Urgent Need for a Circular Economy
As urban sprawl continues to expand, the importance of creating, implementing, and maintaining a circular economy increases. Sadly, many landfills are close to their maximum capacity, and the amount of waste produced by the average person is expected to increase over the coming years. All of these factors have made recycling E-waste and construction materials a prime way to reduce environmental impact and costs. Here’s what you need to know.
The E-Waste Challenge
The term E-waste refers to discarded electrical items and components. These devices can include cell phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, and everyday appliances. As new technology emerges, the obsolete models are often disregarded and discarded. The problem is that technology is improving at a faster rate, meaning that people now generate more E-waste faster than ever.
According to UN reports, the world produces 5 times more E-waste than it did in 2010. The report suggests that much of the E-waste was driven by the millions of tons of electronics improperly discarded in household garbage. Sadly, scientists predict that E-waste will increase by 33% to hit 82M tonnes by 2030, leading to many concerning issues
Value Lost in Unrecycled Electronics
Every time E-waste is improperly disposed of and not recycled, valuable resources are lost, including raw materials like gold, silver, copper, and iron. If these high-demand materials were recycled, they could see a second usage.
One report noted that 53.6M tons of e-waste that was discarded in 2019 now possess $57 B in raw materials. As resource depletion and the cost of these items rise, the importance of cutting waste becomes more evident.
Environmental & Health Hazards
There are several health risks that E-waste creates that should be considered as another driving factor towards reduction efforts. It can result in leaked toxins that damage both the soil before entering the food chain, resulting in human health concerns as well.
Leading Producers of E-Waste
As you would expect, the top polluters are industrious countries with large populations like China and India. The United States is another major polluter, outranking India for the 2cd spot. These populations are tech-savvy, meaning that they strive to possess the latest and greatest electronic devices. Unfortunately, this scenario creates health and environmental risks for the entire world as discarded and outdated models pile up.
Innovations in E-Waste Recycling
The sheer complexity of this issue has led to several solutions being proposed. The first and most common approach is to support recycling efforts. Creating an easily accessible and efficient recycling environment can help motivate the population to actively seek recycling solutions.
Regulations & Policy Incentives
Another approach is to create regulations that drive recycling and proper waste management actions. This approach can include tax cuts and other incentives for those who participate in recycling efforts. They can also integrate penalties for companies or areas that produce excessive E-waste.
Liquid Metal–Vitrimer Conductive Composite
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has suggested a novel method to create more durable electronics. The Liquid Metal-Vitrimer Conductive Composite for Recyclable and Resilient Electronics study, published in Advanced Materials, proposes a method of manufacturing that could make electronics easier to break down, recycle, and reuse.
The report proposes healable electronics that utilize a vitrimer-liquid metal (LM) microdroplet composite to enable them to self-heal after receiving damage. This approach begins with engineers using the polymer vitrimer infused with liquid metal drops designed to carry current. These devices can be made to fit nearly any form factor, adding to their usability.
Source – Advanced Materials
Study Overview
The engineers fabricated fully vitrimer-based circuit boards that included a range of sensors and LEDs. The vitrimer-liquid metal (LM) was tested to measure its self-healing capabilities. The device utilized a thermally triggered healing process that gave it resilience.
Self-Healing & Electrical Performance
The test proved that the device could function correctly even after mechanical deformation or damage. They noted the unit had the mechanical qualities of rigid thermosets but with more flexibility. Additionally, the device showed high electrical conductivity.
Recyclability via Alkaline Hydrolysis
This approach to curbing E-waste has a lot of benefits. The new circuit designs are recyclable and retain the strength and durability of traditional circuit board plastics. The testing also demonstrated high electrical conductivity, increased resilience to glass transition temperature, solid solvent resistance, and recyclability.
Additionally, the new design leverages a dynamic composite material that can self-heal and be recycled simply by adding heat. The engineers noted that this process requires no catalyst or high curing temperature, meaning that the entire device could be recycled down to key components using alkaline hydrolysis.
The Construction & Demolition Waste Burden
Construction waste is another major issue that has reached the point where it can’t be ignored. The housing market is constantly in flux. However, there remains a high number of new constructions globally. These efforts often require demolition and other critical tasks like leveling the land before new properties can be erected.
Last year, the global construction and demolition waste (C&D) management market saw serious growth. Dealing with construction and demolition waste is big business, with reports showing it as a $204.48B market. Additionally, this value is set to increase to $217.91 billion by the end of this year.
Dealing with this waste remains a top priority for environmental engineers and those focused on curbing pollution. Of these pollutants, cement produces an environmental burden on a massive scale. Discarding items like Portland Cement is expensive and wasteful. Thankfully, there are some alternatives emerging.
Geopolymer-Based Soil Solidifiers
A team of Japanese scientists introduces a novel method to drive sustainable construction into the future. The paper Development of environmentally sustainable geopolymer-based soil solidifiers using waste siding and glass powders explains in detail how the team transformed traditional construction waste into a cement-free soil solidifier.
The engineers utilize an industrial by-product called Siding Cut Powder combined with glass powder, which, when in contact with Earth Silica, solidifies. Their new approach provides the stability of cement-based earth solidifiers but eliminates the need to utilize Ordinary Portland Cement.
As part of their strategy, the engineers had to figure out how to prevent leaching from the recycled glass. They accomplished this task by forming stable calcium arsenate compounds. This approach reduced pollution and ensured compliance with environmental standards..
Study Overview
The engineers conducted several laboratory tests to determine the best combination and percentage of the Siding Cut powder and Earth Silica. After several experiments and computer modeling, they determined that their creation meets compressive strength standards.
Specifically, the solidifier exceeded the 160 kN/m² construction-grade threshold required by today’s regulations. Additionally, it was shown to eliminate arsenic leaching through calcium hydroxide stabilization. Also, the team noted that their development significantly enhanced the compressive strength of the soil, allowing for more advanced construction in more areas.
Mechanical Performance & Arsenic Stabilization
The engineers’ discovery will help to support sustainable construction practices in multiple ways. For one, it significantly reduces construction waste and carbon emissions, helping to keep the landfills from overflowing. This circular approach to construction will reduce costs and improve performance in the future.
Investing in Innovative Waste Solutions
Companies involved in managing E-waste and construction waste continue to see increased revenue. These markets are on the rise as people can no longer ignore the effects of E-waste on the environment and their health. Here’s one company that continues to drive innovation while remaining an established competitor in the sector.
TTM Technologies Inc. (TTMI +5.72%) entered the market in 1998 following the acquisition of Pacific Circuits, Inc. The company was founded by Kent Alder to provide high-end and accessible printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic manufacturing services. Today, the firm is among the top 5 PCB board manufacturers with 24 manufacturing plants located globally.
TTM Technologies, Inc. (TTMI +5.72%)
TTM technologies went public in 2000 and has seen considerable growth since then. Curently, the company has high level clients including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Apple, Cisco, Huawei, Raytheon, Bosch, Juniper Networks, Ericsson, IBM, and more.
As a leader in advanced circuit solutions, including R&D in substrate and material sciences, TTM Technologies holds a vital position in the market. It currently employs +15K workers and remains dedicated to R&D. As demand grows for recyclable and flexible circuits, TTM is well-positioned to benefit from industry shifts toward sustainability.
Latest TTM Technologies Inc. (TTMI) Stock News and Developments
Conclusion: Scaling Circular Solutions
Dealing with the world’s E-waste and construction waste is big business that has the added benefit of helping to save the world. The scientists who put forth these studies understand the stakes are high and changes must be made now. Their work, in conjunction with raised public awareness and smart regulation, could help to reduce risks and create a safer world for everyone.
Learn about other cool sustainability efforts here.
Studies Referenced:
, , , , , Liquid Metal-Vitrimer Conductive Composite for Recyclable and Resilient Electronics. Adv. Mater. 2025, 2501341. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202501341