The 2011 Summer School pursued the following overarching goal: to bring together promising e-waste researchers from around the world and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and learning about the global e-waste problem. This year again, the Summer School provided a unique forum for researchers to interact and explore key issues with a diversified group of experts from industry, academia, NGO representatives and policy makers. The students discussed and debated with stakeholders (recyclers, OEMs, regulators etc.) involved in shaping the different life cycle stages of electrical and electronic equipment. This year’s 19 participants were motivated, engaged and truly committed to keep in touch as a multidisciplinary network of young scholars, sharing the benefits of their Summer School learning experience with their respective academic realms and geographical territories.

As in the past, Philips Consumer Lifestyle, in Eindhoven (Netherlands), and Umicore Precious Metals Refining, in Hoboken (Belgium) hosted the Summer School. In addition, this year, the group enjoyed a study tour at Flection’s refurbishing facility in Culemborg (Netherlands). They had a special “SWICO Day” in Zürich (Switzerland) where they visited e-waste logistics and recycling facilities, and were introduced to the Swiss take-back system.

The program included many expert lectures, an OEM panel discussion, workshops and study tours, as well as a challenging group work assignment. The group explored the idea of using labels to maximize resource recovery from e-waste, and developed a “Critical Metals Stewardship Model” which they presented and discussed at the World Resources Forum, in Davos (Switzerland).