Citric Acid Waste Could Yield Compostable Circuit Boards, Reducing E-Waste

Researchers have developed a compostable printed circuit board from citric acid waste, offering a potential solution to the growing e-waste problem.

This article was drafted with AI assistance from multiple sources and was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.

A new approach to printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing could help tackle the mounting electronic waste crisis. Traditional PCBs are made from glass fiber-reinforced fossil epoxy resin, a material that is difficult to recycle and does not biodegrade. Now, scientists have created a compostable alternative derived from citric acid waste, a byproduct of the citrus industry.

The innovation targets the core of electronic waste, which includes discarded toys, computers, and smartphones. By replacing conventional epoxy with a biodegradable polymer made from citric acid, the new PCBs can break down in composting conditions, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of electronics. The development was reported in July 2026.