- What the materials making up the products are
- What the materials might be converted to once they have reached their end of life
- Who might buy the converted materials, and and quality is required
- What processing is required to achieve this conversion
Of course, I've done a quick google search and there appears to be nothing. At least, nothing that systematically goes through products.
Imagine what such a resource might provide for people wanting to set up a business to pick off a small part of the waste stream.
For instance, I know that mattresses are made of spring steel, polyurethane foam and either a cotton or synthetic textile cover. The spring steel can be recycled with scrap steel, and the foam can go into carpet underlay and foam for furniture. To get to this point, the mattress is dismantled by hand.
Knowing this, I can pretty quickly develop a business model around potential waste sources, likely prices to be attained for converted materials, and the processing costs.
Sounds pretty cool to me. If anybody knows of this sort of a thing, let me know. If anybody wants to start one, also let me know. If not, I might need to start one myself to help me in my own business development.
Freely shared, this knowledge could enable guerilla recycling organisations that pop up almost fully formed to cater for a small niche in the waste market. Bringing the power of the information revolution to waste.
