LER³: Engineering and Social Technology in Electronic Waste Reuseular economy and social impact University extension, circ

Abstract

Electronic waste represents one of the main environmental and social challenges of contemporary society, intensified by rapid technological advancement, planned obsolescence, and accelerated consumption of electronic devices. In Brazil, this issue is exacerbated by structural limitations in reverse logistics systems and low rates of environmentally appropriate disposal. In this context, university extension plays a strategic role by integrating teaching, research, and social action in the development of local and applied solutions. This article aims to report and analyze the actions developed within the university extension project Electronic Waste and the 3Rs of Sustainability (LER³), carried out at the Federal University of Technology, Paraná, Ponta Grossa campus. The study is characterized as a qualitative and descriptive research based on activities conducted between 2023 and 2025, structured around four main axes: environmental education, reverse logistics, applied research on electronic waste reuse, and social impact. The results highlight contributions to environmental education for students and the community, the promotion of proper disposal practices, the maintenance and recovery of electronic equipment, and the development of social technologies with community application. The findings demonstrate the potential of repair and reuse as central strategies of the circular economy and reinforce the role of engineering aligned with sustainability, social inclusion, and responsible innovation.