Biodegradable Electronics: toss away your old gadgets in the compost bin Printed Circuit Boards That Break Down in Compost Scientists are now making this a reality using biodegradable circuit boards, where they will break down organically instead of damaging the world.

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing environmental concerns of the 21st century. Every piece of electronic equipment has a printed circuit board (PCB), and this aggravates the problem because they are made of non-biodegradable materials. PCBs used to be made from fiberglass and epoxy resins. These materials can release toxic chemicals into the environment for many years if they are disposed of in landfill. Now researchers from all over the world are experimenting with a new idea: biodegradable PCBs that can be safely composted or incinerated when they are no longer useful. These PCBs are made from environmentally friendly, recyclable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose or biodegradable composites. They don't use glass fiber or difficult-to-recycle polymers. Waste PCBs are a major contributor to e-waste because the materials they are composed of are difficult and expensive to recycle. This results in finding metals, but not the toxic non-metals. But biodegradable substitutes are designed to degrade without releasing toxic chemicals. This is good for the circular economy and bad for pollution. Pakistan's tech ecosystem is rapidly evolving and more people are using and disposing of electronics. Biodegradable PCBs may be environmentally friendly, a source of inspiration for artists, and help entrepreneurs who want to make durable products. This shift is consistent with global sustainability goals and gives Pakistani entrepreneurs and engineers an opportunity to be sustainable technology leaders.