Abstract—this paper aims to provide a thorough analysis on the application of TRIZ in handling the increasing trend of electronic waste globally. TRIZ tools such as engineering systems analysis, function analysis, cause and effect chain analysis and contraction matrix are applied in order to discover some feasible and elegant solutions to alleviate global e-waste problem. Findings revealed that the e-waste problem is caused by the improving lifestyle, rapid technology advancement versus ineffective recycling management. The root causes and contradictions are solved by applying contradiction matrix, and inventive principles are suggested, i.e., local quality, the other way around, phase transitions and preliminary actions. Therefore, it can be concluded that TRIZ is a powerful tool in inventive problem solving.

Index Terms—contradiction, engineering system analysis, e-waste, TRIZ.

Cite: Nikalus Shu Luing Swee, Mum Wai Yip, Chee Sheng Keong, See Chew Tai, and Guat Guan Toh, "Managing E-Waste Using TRIZ," International Journal of Electronics and Electrical Engineering,,  Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 19-22, March 2013. doi: 10.12720/ijeee.1.1.19-22