Wired Waste: Designing away gadget guilt

Every year we upgrade millions of computers and mobiles, leaving a mountain of techno-junk that's growing faster than any other type of rubbish.

New laws will make manufacturers responsible for our castoffs, so can they design greener gadgets to solve the problem?

Come along to the Dana Centre to meet the scientists and designers who are creating new products for a cleaner world and less upgrade guilt.

The evening will start with a screening of Afterlife, a thought-provoking short film that shows the real effects that our discarded computers are having on people around the world. The film's director, Matthew Appleton, will be on hand throughout the event to chat about his experiences of making the film.

Then, ask the scientists themselves how green design really works and when you can expect to see it in the shops. See a phone cover that will rot away and grow into a sunflower, and meet the scientist who's making gadgets that'll take themselves apart for easy recycling.

Use our interactive game to have a go at recycling phone parts, and see the world's only circuit board made on a sheet of lasagne. Plus, eco-designer Rob Holdway will show you exactly what's inside your gadgets and reveal all the hidden rubbish that you didn't even know about.

This event is supported by SITA Trust and Defra.