One route to reducing electronic waste, increasing product reuse, is dependent on the quality and functionality of discarded electronic goods (core), about which little is known or understood. This paper reports on the collection, testing, and classification of 189 discarded microwave ovens. We find that most had only minor, if any, issues and almost all were suitable for reuse and/or remanufacturing. It was also documented, in face-to-face interviews with 82 persons discarding microwaves, that consumers have little knowledge of disposal routes for end-of-life products other than public recycling facilities, and that a large proportion of consumers discarding microwaves intended to buy a similar product, calling into question the widely-held belief that e-waste is always driven by a desire for the latest technology. Based on these results, it is not unreasonable to argue that, for microwave ovens, the major impediments to reuse are neither the quality of discarded products nor the cost of electrical spare parts, but rather current product design and the incipiency of the market for second hand items. Using this information, minor changes in design that would significantly improve re-usability are proposed to OEMs.

This chapter explores cases involving the use of blockchain-enabled technology in the waste management industry, particularly electronic waste management. In order to achieve the goals of a circular economy, adequate investment in waste management is important globally. However, little is known or understood about the role of blockchain technology within the waste management industry. In this chapter, a review of the application of blockchain in the waste management supply chain is presented, and its impact in terms of achieving sustainability goals, in particular the traceability of waste within the closed loop supply chain, is identified. In addition, an overview is provided of companies such as Provenance, Minespider and Bundel, among others applying these technologies. It is recommended that in order to benefit from blockchain technology within the waste management industry, all stakeholders will need to help create ecosystems that can make more effective use of emerging technologies in this sector.

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With the rapid development of the fields of data science and artificial intelligence, a dichotomy presents itself: more professionals are needed to fulfill the growing workfoce demand, and women continue to be underrepresented in all computer science-related jobs. Women AI Academy addresses both issues by inspiring, enabling, and targeting the employment of women in data science and artificial intelligence.