Electronic Waste and Sustainability: Exploring the Impact of Modern Technology

The technological revolution has transformed how we live, learn, and communicate, but it has also created significant environmental challenges. This workshop explores the growing issue of electronic waste and supports Secondary Science, Geography, Design & Technology, Computing, Sustainability, Environmental Science, and Citizenship.

Pupils investigate what happens when electronic devices such as phones, fridges, televisions, hairdryers, and laptops are discarded. We examine how non-biodegradable components can create a toxic footprint, affecting soil, air, water, and living organisms. The session highlights the importance of responsible disposal and recycling, linking directly to Climate Change, Resource Management, and Global Citizenship. Pupils also consider the fact that currently only a small percentage of electronic waste is properly recycled, encouraging critical thinking about consumption and sustainability.

To bring the topic to life, pupils explore a range of obsolete technologies including diskettes, tapes, mini-discs, old mobile phones, and VHS tapes. Using a redundant retro diskette alongside recycled papers and materials, pupils then create their own Eco Ideas Booklet.

This hands-on creative task allows pupils to design personalised pages using plain, coloured, textured, and graphic materials, along with images and fold-outs. The finished booklet can be used as a diary, sketchbook, travel journal, or creative ideas book, supporting Art and Design, Design Technology, Literacy, Creativity, and Independent Learning.

By the end of the workshop, pupils are encouraged to think differently about technology—recognising the value of refurbishment, reuse, and responsible recycling, and understanding that electronic devices should be donated or recycled rather than treated as disposable.

Workshop Details

• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Suitable for groups of up to 35 or 70 students
• Supports KS3 and KS4 Science, Geography, Design & Technology, Computing, PSHE, Citizenship and STEM
• Interactive exploration of electronic waste and environmental impact
• Investigation of obsolete technologies and real-world e-waste issues
• Hands-on creation of an Eco Ideas Booklet using recycled materials