A feedback strategy for a closed loop end-of-life cycle process

This paper focuses on the need for creation of a closed loop system integrating research in the highly intertwined areas of design for disassembly and end of life cycle equipment disposition. An overview of the closed loop, team approach to reuse and recycling is presented. This paper not only discusses the obvious merits of this closed loop system but emphasizes the need for feedback from the demanufacturing process with specific case study examples. A framework is provided that highlights the key areas of feedback that can be provided from the recycling operation to the design process. Four areas of data collection are proposed and examples of data from each area are provided. The four areas of data collection are costed in the form of complexity and time, revenues provided in respect to the materials that can be liberated, environmental impact in the form of residual material disposal, and technical difficulty in the form of special tools, material handling, material identification, etc. The feedback mechanisms are explored in the context of both closed loop and open loop recycling plans. This data collection framework is demonstrated through the examination of a telephone switch recycling project. The project involves elements of electronics recycling that can be applied to a broad range of telephony and computer equipment. This particular recycling project is selected because of the overall economic return and the trade-offs that are necessary to generate the best economic return. Information is provided on materials that are liberated during the recycling process, costs incurred in the recycling process, environmental impact of waste materials, and cost trade-offs associated with further material liberation. In addition, this example highlights areas of design feedback that result from an analysis of the recycling operation data collection process