Designer Brendan Macaluso recently made a trip to his local recycling centre and was astounded by the piles of discarded computers he saw. Shocked, he decided to try to solve the problem by devising a smarter solution.
The Recompute PC is a working computer with a case composed of corrugated cardboard. The concept is simplified by Mecaluso’s strategy of one material, two case components, three electronic components and four manufacturing processes to make a computer that is not only recyclable but simple to make.
While the system isn’t going to wield the power gamers need, the Recompute is fully functional and includes a motherboard, four USB ports, 2 GB of RAM and a 2.5-inch hard drive.
The computer can be put together with scissors, glue, print and a little electronic assembly. In case you’re wondering, Mecaluso has already solved the safety problem represented by using cardboard next to electronics that get hot.
Cardboard, Mecaluso told Engadgdet, is actually more able to withstand heat than the ABS plastic used in traditional tower cases (which also use aluminum and steel). Plastic begins to melt at 120 degrees Celsius, but cardboard doesn’t ignite until 427 degrees.
The Recompute’s use of corrugated cardboard has the added advantage of being self-ventilating.
The Recompute is one of the top 50 entries in the Core 77 design competition for green gadgets.
Part of the re-usability factor of the Recompute is that it can use bits and pieces from existing systems – for example, the keyboard from an existing computer. The whole kit and kaboodle can be disassembled without tools, allowing the electronics and the cardboard case to be separated easily for recycling.
Via Core 77.