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Design for Environment

End of life, Design For Disassembly and Design For Recycling

GuidelineReason
Stimulate possible reuse of the product by:
  1. classic design
  2. sound constructions that does not become prematurely obsolete technically
Extend possible lifetime of a product, therefore decreasing need for new products
Stimulate possible remanufacturing/refurbishing by:
  1. hierarchical and modular structure
  2. use of detachable points
  3. use of standardised joints
  4. position joints to minimise necessary movement of product during disassembly
  5. indicate opening instructions for non-destructive disassembly
Extend possible life time of part and components and therefore decrease need for new products
Stimulate possible recycling of part and materials by:
  1. using recyclable materials with an existing market
  2. use tables on compatibility of metals, plastics and glass and ceramics.
  3. avoiding polluting elements that interfere with the recycling process
  4. mark any part made from synthetic materials with standardised material codes
  5. avoid threaded metal inserts in plastic
  6. avoid plated metal
  7. avoid or minimise painting and fillers
Decrease need for virgin materials
Stimulate safer incineration by concentrating toxic materials and providing easy removal Decrease hazardous emissions from incineration process


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Contact: Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org