Environmental and waste issues concerning the production of smart clothes and wearable technology

Abstract: This chapter identifies some of the sources of textile waste, and examines some of the environmental and social effects of their manufacture, use and disposal in a situation where landfill and incineration, the traditional methods of waste disposal, are becoming less and less available. New legislation (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2004) concerning electrical and electronic waste disposal is outlined, with particular reference to the topic of Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology. In the latter part of the chapter, some broad guidelines for designers are offered.