Can digital health devices come back? A 25-kiosk pilot across three European countries

Results released 23 September involved 20 organisations in nine countries and 414 pilot participants, suggesting system design can outweigh device redesign.

Figures such as 81–94% lower impact for reusable ECG leads and about 27% lower manufacturing climate impact from electronic labels come from different case studies and cannot cover every device.

What was tested

Secure kiosks in pharmacies, public buildings, supermarkets and care facilities identified and tracked returns. More than 60% said they would return devices when convenient.

Why systems matter

Reuse can avoid production but shifts impacts to cleaning and sterilisation. One powered stapler case showed about 12% lower total surgical climate impact when procedure and stay were included.

What remains

A 90% material-recovery figure is a redesign potential versus 51% today. Scale, cost, data deletion, infection control and responsibility need testing.

How to dispose

Batteries, personal data and contamination mean devices should not go into an arbitrary recycling bin. Check official manufacturer, pharmacy or municipal routes.

Primary source and independent checks

Primary source: EU CORDIS DiCE record

Institutional explanation: DiCE final-results release

Independent check: SaluDigital

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