End-of-life impacts of pervasive computing

RFID technology is one of the forerunners of pervasive computing, and as such is expected to play an important role in many applications of daily life, especially in the form of smart labels. However, market investigations and a material analysis of a smart label shows that the use of smart labels does not considerably affect the recycling or disposal of packaging materials, if precautionary measures are taken, such as eco-design and, where necessary process modifications. Today in industrialized countries end-of-life information and communication technology (ICT) equipment is processed separately from other waste streams, given its material composition and appliance size. The waste management processes studied are municipal solid waste incineration and recycling of glass, paper, cardboard, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and aluminum.