Linking bar codes to recycling information for mobile phones

To fulfill the requirements for a broad range of information on their products, manufacturers must address two problems at the same time. They need to gather and develop the necessary information on products, and they need to provide the information to recycling and dismantlement facilities. To address this problem, a system was developed, which links the existing bar codes on mobile phones to web sites containing disassembly information. The system makes use of the barcode label containing the IMEI (international mobile equipment identity) number, which is on every GSM mobile phone. The IMEI contains information on the manufacturer and the model type. By scanning the IMEI barcode, typing in the IMEI number or the model type, the program automatically connects with the appropriate web site containing the disassembly information. The recycler can thus access the information needed for treatment by simply scanning the barcodes. A demonstrator proved the concept of linking disassembly information by scanning a product barcode. Thus the information needed by recyclers can be stored and obtained efficiently and cost effectively.