Incentivizing the Commercial Recycling of Textiles and E-waste

Abstract

Record ID: 126

Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: The US alone produces over 20 million tons of electronic and textile waste combined every year. Over 60% of all textile waste and over 80% of all electronic waste end up in landfills each year. With increases in technological advancements in electronics and a growing demand for latest fashion trends, E-waste and textiles are rapidly filling up landfills. E-waste has even become the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world. While there are some existing programs in Cincinnati that serve as recycling centers for textiles and E-waste, they are often hard to access or charge the public for their services causing the recycling of these products to be a less viable option. In order to create easier, more mainstream processes for the people of Cincinnati to recycle their unwanted electronics and textiles, this project aims to incentivize commercial recyclers to allow free curbside pickup for textiles as well as offer conveniently located, free to use, e-waste drop off bins for these unwanted items through local and state government partnership with for-profit recycling companies.