E-waste Speaker system

by Hank Burcham

Project Description

With the exponential increase in the rate of consumer electronics being produced every year, there is a global, unseen epidemic in our landfills. Currently, global recycling rates of electronic waste products are only about 30%. This is largely due to the low levels of education on proper disposal methods of common household electronics. These products, once in landfill, comprise 80% of the worlds toxic waste, with devastating effects on the soil, air and water quality of the surrounding area. My project is a case study in the reclamation and reuse of many such components, with the goal of influencing contemporary manufacturing methods towards the idea of a more circular economy, while raising awareness of the environmental impacts of E-waste. My case study, the home wireless speaker system, is designed to be batch manufactured for sale or as a DIY product and is 90% biodegradable and recycled, all apart from the electronic components, which consist of items commonly found in landfills and electronic waste disposal centres. I chose wireless speakers, as they are a rapidly growing sector in the electronics market, and are easy to upcycle from wireless earbuds, one of the fastest-growing kinds of electronic products, often seen as a disposable luxury. By providing a convincing case study, I hope that my design may create precedent for major electronics companies to consider their production methods and environmental footprint more carefully.

Bio

Hi, I’m Hank. I am a detail-oriented, hardworking product designer. Coming from a creative family, I’ve always had an obsession with making things. Driven by design, I am passionate about product research, development, prototyping, and visualisation. I have practised for almost three years. I have worked with UTS and Ikea to produce a wide range of products, including furniture, electronics, and mobile applications.

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