Redesign, reuse and recycling of electronic waste

Abstract

Electronic waste is a significant problem, especially in Africa where efficient recycling facilities are lacking. This waste often ends up in landfills, where it remains until now. Exporting the waste to other continents for proper recycling is often not cost- effective. Therefore, the main goal is to find ways to reduce the electronic waste in Africa. The thesis aims not only to propose a solution for reusing end-of-life lithium battery cells but also to explore second-life possibilities for printed circuit boards used in various products. The outcome of this research is a modular backup battery made from repurposed lithium cells, old battery-management-systems, and plastic waste. The product is designed to be manufactured and assembled in Africa, with a primary focus on repairability. A prototype of the battery was successfully built and tested in Lusaka, Zambia.