Digital systems and devices are connected to pollution and waste throughout their life cycle, from raw-material extraction and manufacturing to energy use, transport, repair and disposal across the environmental and economic contexts. They can also monitor pollution and support more sustainable waste management.
This is part of sustainable development, an HL-only challenge topic, particularly area 5.3C, managing pollution and waste.
| Life-cycle stage | Connection to pollution and waste |
|---|---|
| Raw-material extraction | Mining lithium, cobalt and rare-earth elements can damage ecosystems, pollute water and produce hazardous waste. |
| Manufacturing | Producing semiconductors, batteries and screens consumes energy, water and chemicals, creating emissions and waste. |
| Use | Devices, networks and data centres require electricity. Fossil-fuel generation adds greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution. |
| Disposal | Discarded devices become electronic waste, or e-waste. Batteries and circuit boards may release hazardous substances when dumped, burned or processed unsafely. |
| Waste management | Sensors, databases and algorithms can track waste, optimize collection routes and improve sorting, but require devices and infrastructure. |
A specific post-2022 example is the Fairphone 5. System: It is a modular smartphone whose battery, screen and cameras can be replaced. Example specifics: Fairphone launched it in 2023 with replaceable modules and long-term software support. Impacts and implications: Repairability may extend its useful life and reduce premature disposal, but replacement parts still consume resources and its price may limit access. Concepts: The design shows how systems can reduce unintended waste and how values and ethics shape durability, affordability and producer responsibility.