Sustainable Circuits: Evaluating the Economic and Environmental Implications of Recycling Methods for Technology Products

Abstract

The growing severity of the climate crisis has led many technology companies to pursue sustainability, which has often been done through the recycling of materials. However, the material that is recycled often varies as companies choose to recycle either plastic or metal. Thus, this paper aims to compare the environmental and economic consequences of plastic and metal recycling for technology products to determine the situations in which each would be most logical. My methods for this paper entail qualitative research and environmental accounting. Through my methods, I have determined that metal recycling, in terms of fixed and marginal costs, is cheaper than plastic recycling and is overall more sustainable. However, plastic recycling may lead  to greater consumer satisfaction. Recycling metal is most logical for companies who value environmental impact and smaller companies who cannot afford plastic recycling. Plastic recycling is most logical for companies who want to promote their brand and gain more customer loyalty. In a socially optimal setting, the most prevalent recycling method would be metal recycling due to its low costs and larger environmental impact.