Circular economy strategy based on digital technologies and the S4 framework: a case study on smartphones

Smartphones are indispensable tools for daily tasks; nevertheless, their short lifespan of about two years contributes to a disproportionate increase in environmental waste. Although current initiatives explore reusing specific smartphone components, such as metallic parts, the scope of these efforts still needs to be expanded, necessitating more comprehensive strategies to address the growing waste generation. Additionally, end-users play a pivotal role in determining the fate of obsolete smartphones and in adopting sustainable disposal practices to mitigate environmental damage after the devices are no longer useful to them. This proposal describes the scope to obtain a circular economy approach at a macro-level environmental impact. The strategy aims to employ obsolete smartphones while reducing environmental im pacts and facilitating efficient device disposal. The authors employ the S4 framework to support sustainable product development at a macro-level, emphasising sensing, smart, sustainability, and social dimensions. However, it is essential to note that the current solution applies only to smartphones with functional features, including intact displays, operational batteries, accessible cameras and sensors, and functional power systems, obtaining a level three according to the S4 framework, which describes limited human intervention.