Ahmedabad's heavy vehicle wrecking businesses is an archetype reflecting the recycling economy in India. As vehicles arrive in the yard, a collective of independent dismantling specialists appraise it, assessing opportunities for their customers , self initiated redistribution networks or re-fabrication businesses.The colony descends upon the automotive, detaching external parts, disconnecting and separating components, leaving only the parts for which no innovative applications can be found. These are subsequently sent to recycling smelters. Objects are sorted and allocated value according to various secondary adaptive uses . Wheels are given second lives on bullock carts, tyres are stripped to supply nylon cords and their rubber becomes shoe soles. Engines are dismantled for components or augmented with dynamos to become generators, chassis are transformed into structural building materials and differentials adapted for pappadam extruders. Some components are sold and find their way into rebuilt appliances elsewhere in India to compete alongside big name brands. The list goes on.
Everyday the value of such efficient 'reuse' scenarios continues largely unnoticed within the larger production economy. Particular business collectives enjoy a reputation for providing quality recycled components and services, yet opportunities for building capacity and adding value in these essential businesses are difficult for the collectives to leverage. How should we evaluate the value of such businesses, and what role can design play in developing opportunities and stature of these conduits for reincarnation technology?
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