FES: Franky - smart disposal of electronic waste

The challenge

A large proportion of electronic waste still ends up in household rubbish - with serious consequences for the environment and resources. FES Frankfurter Entsorgungs- und Service GmbH therefore asked itself the question: How can the professional disposal of electronic waste be made as simple, safe and attractive as possible for citizens?

Output

The result: Franky - a smart collection service that collects e-waste directly from households and recycles it professionally via the municipal waste disposal service.

• Sustainable logistics: The centrepiece of the system is a specially developed bicycle trailer with an integrated safety system that contains potential sources of fire - such as damaged batteries - and thus ensures safe transport.
• Digital interface: collection is conveniently booked on demand via app. The app and a QR code on the collection box also provide users with information about recycling processes and environmental impact.
• Sensitisation & education: Low-threshold communication and transparent processes create long-term awareness of sustainable behaviour.

This combination of technology, service and education made "Franky" the public's favourite of the Cross Innovation Class 2024.

Format & method

In the Cross Innovation Class, students from three to six different universities work in interdisciplinary teams on the challenges of the project partners.

• The process follows the logic of design thinking: in iterative feedback loops with the partners, the teams approach a solution step by step.
• The entire process is managed by the Cross Innovation Hub team and supported by trained facilitators.
• Prototypes can be created and tested in the workshops of the partner universities.

The Cross Innovation Class 2024 took place in the summer semester 2024 on the topic of Sustainable Innovations.