Identifying feasible repurposing opportunities in decommissioned complex systems

Repurposing components from decommissioned systems (e.g., aircraft, wind turbines) is a promising waste management strategy; however, identifying where to repurpose these components is challenging. Prior work either generates repurposing ideas with qualitative screening or deeply assesses a single application, potentially missing better opportunities. We bridge these approaches with a method that generates ideas and systematically screens them to select the best ones for detailed analysis. The method combines large language models, design standards, Environmental Product Declarations, market pricing, and a Repurposable Attribute Basis. A case study on a commercial aircraft floor beam shows the method’s ability to produce novel, scalable, and technically, environmentally, and economically feasible repurposing opportunities under screening assumptions, such as solar panel mounting structures and helipads. This method encourages seeing waste as a resource, which can generate revenue for manufacturers and waste managers while reducing environmental impacts.