In a groundbreaking initiative to address the mounting issue of electronic waste, Manchester-based design studio Lazerian has unveiled Recover-E, a remarkable racing car constructed entirely from discarded electronic devices. This innovative project was commissioned by Formula E team Envision Racing and aims to raise awareness about the growing e-waste problem.
Recover-E showcases the creative potential of repurposing electronic waste by utilizing a modified drivetrain sourced from a beach buggy, enabling the car to operate at reduced speeds. Lazerian’s team ingeniously incorporated everyday objects throughout the vehicle, including a driver halo made from Nintendo Wii controllers, a Sony VR headset, and even an electric fly swatter. The car’s brake light is cleverly replaced with a pricing gun, while a 1950s radio serves as the radar antenna atop the vehicle.
Shift in perspective
Liam Hopkins, the founder and owner of Lazerian, expressed his intention to engage people’s minds and foster a shift in perspective. “You can show people how much waste we all go through, but when you take it and turn it into something else, it becomes this vehicle to start to trigger people’s minds and actually make them think about this stuff,” he explained.
Read more: From waste to wow: Building with rice husks and cooking oil
Meticulous sorting
In fact, the project’s materials were sourced entirely from donations. These donations came from Manchester schoolchildren and the local tech trade-in company, Music Magpie, which deemed the items irreparable.
Hopkins meticulously sorted the e-waste. He sorted it into different materials, textures, and colors. He strategically determined where each item would be utilized within the vehicle.
By encouraging people to dismantle and explore these discarded devices, Hopkins had a specific goal in mind. He hoped to foster a greater understanding of their inner workings. Additionally, he aimed to promote repair and repurposing of these devices.
Gradual disintegration
Recover-E’s design concept revolves around the gradual disintegration of the car from front to back. The front portion prominently features phones in relatively good condition, with illuminated LEDs underneath, simulating their functionality.
As one moves toward the rear of the car, something fascinating happens. Also, the car starts to reveal its inner components. These components include circuit boards, wires, and screens. They represent the components that were extracted from the e-waste.
Powerful symbol
Additionally, Hopkins believes that Recover-E serves as a powerful symbol, highlighting society’s excessive consumption and disposal habits.
Single-use vapes serve as an example. These vapes often have rechargeable batteries. However, these batteries are frequently discarded after minimal use. This exemplifies the problematic relationship people have with electronic goods.
Besides, the racing car’s fast-paced nature holds significance. It parallels society’s rapid consumption patterns. This parallel prompts viewers to reflect on the consequences of their actions.
Recover-E at COP28
Furthermore, Recover-E made its debut at the London e-prix and will be exhibited at various events, including the global climate summit COP28, before being disassembled for recycling. This project not only showcases the remarkable potential of repurposing electronic waste but also emphasizes the urgency of addressing the e-waste crisis.
Inspiring change
With this in mind, Lazerian’s Recover-E makes a powerful statement. It stands as a testament to the possibilities for sustainable design. Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for reimagining our relationship with electronic devices.
Also, by transforming waste into a striking racing car, Lazerian invites us all to reconsider our consumption habits and actively contribute to building a more sustainable future.
For more news on sustainability, click here.
