by jbs031210 a3 — March 15, 2010—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a brand new electronics recycling certification program to ensure that electronics recyclers adhere to highly protective standards for workers and the environment in processing pre-owned electronics, and that recycled materials will not be shipped overseas without the consent of the designated country. EPA says the new e-certification program is intended to take the guesswork out of choosing a responsible recycler.
Three companies nationwide have received this new designation, called Responsible Recycling Practices Certification. The first certified recycler in the mid-Atlantic region is E-structors, Inc. of Elkridge, Maryland. TechTurn of Austin, Texas, and Waste Management of Minnesota also gained certification.
Under the program, recyclers are not permitted to burn or landfill certain materials. If electronics are going to be sold for reuse, the recycler must show that all personal data has been cleared or destroyed, that the equipment has been tested and is in working condition, and that the equipment is packaged properly. A recycler must exercise due diligence to ensure appropriate management of the materials throughout the recycling chain, whether domestic or international.
Recyclers are certified by either SGS or Perry Johnson Registrars, which are both required to maintain a list of companies they have certified on their respective Web sites.
For more information on Responsible Recycling, visit the EPA Web site.
