Become a part of our research on circular economy

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is running a “Citizen Science” Programme, in which SDU researchers collaborate with citizens/consumers on gathering information to support the design of a better system that features increasing reuse and refurbishment of e-products and higher recovery of materials during recycling.

The following questionnaire will provide valuable data for understanding the patterns of use for consumer electronics, as well as opportunities for new models for how they can be used.

Any information provided is intended for research use only. Those taking part are guaranteed anonymity, and all data provided will be treated confidentially.

At the end of the questionnaire, you may choose to also participate in a SDU “citizen science” panel, which will involve a personal interview. If you are selected for this panel, a member of our project team will contact you.

⟶ Go to the questionnaire

What is circular economy?

The term “circular economy” describes an alternative system proposed to replace the current make–use–dispose systems, in order to ensure more sustainable management of the Earth’s resources. The idea is to enable products – or the materials from which they are made – to circulate within our society’s different systems for as long as possible, and to do this via better design, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling.

The “e-circle” project is an SDU lighthouse effort aimed at developing a knowledge platform for the circular economy and the management of end-of-life electrical and electronics products, which are otherwise known as e-waste. The “e-circle” facilitates the circular economy in the e-products sector by connecting key participants in the supply chains before, during and after the product ends its service life.

The project is led by SDU Life Cycle Engineering (LCE), an SDU centre that researches the strategic and sustainable development of societal infrastructure and technologies.

⟶ Learn more

Why should you make use of your electronic products as long as possible?

In 2016, 44.7 million tonnes of e-waste were generated globally, and this number is growing rapidly. That’s the equivalent of 12 Eiffel Towers of consumer electronic products that get thrown away somewhere on the planet – every single day.

Around 80% of global electronic waste globally is thrown out in ways that are unaccounted for.

Of the 20% accounted for, only the base metals – iron, aluminium and copper – are normally recovered effectively.

Of the 20% accounted for, many geologically scarce and economically critical elements – gallium, tungsten, tantalum, cobalt, etc. – are lost in current recycling processes. In their initial mining and refining, these elements have substantial environmental impacts, and in some cases are sourced from conflict zones.

That’s why it is important to keep consumer electronics products in use for as long as possible.