Mining Noise
Electronic waste as a resource for recyclable product design
„Mining Noise“ sees electronic waste as a resource and explores recycling at component level. Using the example of a modular synthesizer, new sounds and a communication object are created from old components, inviting people to engage with use, reuse and responsibility. In addition to various sound modules, an open platform was developed that visualizes and links repair culture, urban mining and new collection dynamics.
| student: | Marco Mehringer |
| mentored by: | Prof. Mareike Gast |
| year: | 2025 |
| level: | Master Thesis |
Ever shorter product life cycles and materials that are difficult to separate mean that millions of tons of electronic devices are disposed every year. In addition to numerous functional components, many of the critical raw materials that are essential for shaping our technological environment are lost in the recycling process. “Mining Noise” understands electronic waste as a resource and examines the potential for recycling at component level.
Using the example of a modular synthesizer, an alternative design and usage concept is developed that brings components from obsolete old devices into new applications.
The resulting sound generator is not only a musical instrument, but also a communication object – for the origin of its components, their reusability and the levers that different actors can use.
The work combines urban mining, modular electronics and repair culture with a practical design process. The result is an open platform that documents how devices can be dismantled, components tested and integrated into new systems. The aim is to test new collection and exchange dynamics beyond traditional deposit systems – and thus promote a sustainable approach to electronics.