Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of an e-waste device

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method that allows a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of the process of extracting raw materials, manufacturing specific products from them, using and managing waste resulting from them. The increase in the mass of small household appliances introduced to the market raises the question of the environmental effects of their manufacture and use. In addition, it is essential from a cognitive point of view to know if recycling of certain components of the e-waste device can offset the negative effects on the environment. Three different iron models were subjected to the comprehensive LCA analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the negative effect on the environment in the case of an iron was determined by the phase of its use in the household. Moreover, it was revealed that the design of irons allows recycling of very few of their components, which did not compensate for environmental damage resulting from the process of production and operation of these appliances.