While Americans know that e-waste is a mounting environmental problem, high rates of unemployment persist, and the digital divide plagues millions of Americans, they’re not always aware of a viable solution — electronics reuse. Electronics reuse is extending the life of an electronic item by using it more than once for a similar or new function. Reusing unwanted electronic goods not only benefits the environment by keeping toxins out of the landfill, it also allows local communities to reap the social and economic benefits of job training, job creation, and helps shrink the digital divide.
Here are a two statistics I have come across of the years, that highlight the need to properly steward discarded electronics goods through reuse: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, e -waste contributes only 1percent to the volume of our waste stream, it’s responsible for 70 percent of the toxins found in landfills. The EPA also states that 80 percent of the energy used over the life of a computer could be saved through reuse of the unit.
As the founding director of Reuse Alliance, a national association that promotes reuse, I often speak about the triple bottom line benefits of this often-overlooked activity. Whether you say “triple bottom line”, “people, planet, profit”, or “win-win-win” it all boils down to the same fact, reuse benefits the environment, our communities and the economy.
When talking about reuse, it’s often helpful to explain the difference between reuse and recycling. While recycling breaks down used items into raw materials and reprocesses them to make new items, reuse extends the life of an item by using it more than once, either as-is or with some modification or repair. By reusing materials you preserve the natural resources, labor and energy incorporated into manufacturing them. Additionally, when used materials aren’t trucked out of a community as trash it results in less emissions.
By diverting valuable resources from the landfill, electronic reuse organizations prevent highly toxic equipment from polluting our air and water, educate consumers about the importance of the proper disposal of unwanted electronics, provide meaningful green-collar jobs, and offer valuable job-training programs.
Reuse Alliance member NextStep is an electronics reuse organization offering these triple bottom line benefits. Founded in 2002, NextStep meets their mission to provide technology and training to children and adults who have barriers to employment and education and protecting the environment from hazardous waste all through electronics reuse.
NextStep, located in Eugene Oregon, has created a network of people committed to the shared values of preserving the environment, working to bridge the digital divide, and enhancing the quality of life around the world. NextStep provides community members with opportunities to learn about the impact e-waste, and through community referrals, places computers directly with children and adults living in foster care, persons experiencing disabilities, family members leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker families, under-funded schools and nonprofits.
Over the years, NextStep has made a tremendous impact on the environment. They’ve put thousands of pieces of electronic equipment, such as computer hardware, household electronics, and appliances, back into use in the community. As of September 2011, the company reports it has refurbished more than 23,000 computer systems and sold thousands of other household electronics sold at affordable prices. They’ve also properly managed the recycling of over 10 million pounds of e-waste.
NextStep also recognizes that technology is becoming increasingly important in the workplace, and that jobs in the information technology sector pay almost 80 percent more than the average private sector wage. As such, they offer volunteers valuable skills-training in rebuilding computers and other electronic hardware. Since inception, more than 8000 volunteers have donated over 480,000 hours of service refurbishing and recycling computers. Of those volunteers, hundreds have enhanced their employment marketability through experiential service learning and extensive training by staff.
Another Reuse Alliance member at the forefront of electronics reuse and recycling is Goodwill Industries International. In 2004, Goodwill formed a partnership with Dell to create a program that would allow Goodwill agencies to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronic products. Through this partnership, known as Reconnect, participating Goodwill agencies accept unwanted computers and components, ranging from whole systems to small parts, monitors and mice to keyboards and scanners, and provide tax deductible receipts for these donated goods.
Goodwill employees manage the collection, sorting, and in some locations, the disassembly and/or refurbishment of the equipment. The program supports Goodwill’s job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment. Unsalvageable equipment is sent to Dell’s authorized environmental partners for responsible recycling. Since the program’s inception Dell Reconnect has diverted more than 190 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and created more than 250 green jobs.
Reconnect started in June 2004 with the Goodwill of Central Texas and now there are more than 2,200 Goodwill stores and donation centers that serve as collection sites for the Dell Reconnect program across the United States and www.reconnectpartnership.com. Canada, making it convenient for more than 42 million U.S. households to drop off computer and accessories for free, environmentally-responsible materials management. Working together, Goodwill and Dell help raise consumer awareness about the positive aspects of donating electronic goods.
Now, let’s multiply the effort of these two organizations exponentially. There are thousands of reuse organizations across America — diverting tons of materials from landfills, providing vital resources to those in need, and contributing millions of dollars in economic benefit. Despite the amazing work these organizations do in their communities, we must work harder to get the message across that reuse in an integral part of sustainable materials management. Unless Americans understand the connection between reuse and sustainability, perfectly useful materials will continue to wind up in landfill. At the Reuse Alliance, we look forward to helping individuals, nonprofits, or businesses come together to raise awareness about reuse, and we hope you will join us in this effort.
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MaryEllen Etienne is the Executive Director of Reuse Alliance, a national nonprofit that promotes reuse and its triple bottom line benefits. Reuse Alliance acts as a networking conduit that builds relationships between members, provides capacity building training that strengthens reuse organizations, communicates the triple bottom line benefits of reuse, and advocates for pro-reuse policies. Contact her at maryellen@reusealliance. org.
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The first of 13 electronics recycling rallies to be held at Verizon facilities around the country this year kicked off Thursday (Jan. 26) at the company’s Temple Terrace facility. Similar events held by Verizon in 2011 collected more than 358,000 pounds of e-waste, about the equivalent weight of 10 charter buses, that was recycled and kept out of landfills.
Recycling rallies, which enable employees and members of the surrounding community to conveniently recycle household electronics items ranging from laptops to toasters to monitors, are part of Verizon’s broad commitment to help protect and preserve the environment. Verizon’s recycling rallies operate with a zero-landfill goal, meaning the materials will be reused or recycled so that they do not end up in a landfill. The Temple Terrace rally is being held at 7701 E. Telecom Parkway from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“E-Waste can be tricky, so we’re making it easy and convenient for our employees and people in many of the communities we serve to dispose of electronics in an environmentally friendly manner,” said James Gowen, Verizon’s chief sustainability officer. “By opening up our recycling rallies to the public, Verizon was able to offset the equivalent of 562 tons of CO2 last year alone. It’s a valuable service, but it also helps raise awareness of environmental practices that can be easy to adopt but impactful.”
The Verizon locations hosting recycling rallies later this year include Chandler, Ariz.; Wilmington, N.C.; Alpharetta, Ga.; Ashburn, Va.; and Basking Ridge, N.J.
Recycling Is an Integral Part of How Verizon Does Business
Verizon’s comprehensive sustainability strategy encompasses the company’s entire operation, from energy consumption to product packaging, to providing energy solutions to businesses and consumers. Recycling is an integral part of the company’s sustainability efforts.
Since 2008, Verizon has collected 4.3 million no-longer-used wireless phones through theHopeLine phone recycling and reuse program, keeping the devices out of landfills and turning them into support for domestic violence survivors.
Late last year, Verizon Wireless launched its Trade-In Program, which allows customers from any wireless carrier to get value from no-longer-used wireless devices and help the environment at the same time. Customers who participate in the program can submit their devices for appraisal online at www.trade-in.vzw.com. In exchange, customers receive a Verizon Wireless gift card by mail.
Also since 2008, Verizon has recycled more than 100,000 tons of telecommunications equipment and more than 80,000 tons of paper and cardboard. The company is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Waste Wise Hall of Fame.
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Technology Value Financial announced it has seen 400 percent revenue growth in two years– because it recycles electronics as they come off lease. The subsidiary of GreenLoop IT of Harrisburg, Penn., proves that companies want to go green and save the environment even as they save money on technology leases.
Vic Eliau, senior vice president of Technology Value Financial. (Oak Tree Communications Photo)
“In many cases, parts value of returned technology can be more valuable than the whole unit,” said Eilau. “Customers end up with better solutions because we are able to provide them lower rates on the lease if our affiliate gets the residual.”
Cincinnati-area electronics leasing company Technology Value Financial reports a revenue increase of 400 percent over two years—because organizations want to save the environment even as they save on technology leases.
The Maineville, Ohio firm provides technology leasing to organizations nationwide by doing business with the front and back doors in mind.
The GreenLoop IT affiliate is only in its second year of operation, but it’s already gathering major green— revenues were up more than 400 percent in 2011– because it taps into many corporations’ desires to be environmentally-responsible.
GreenLoopIT of Harrisburg, Penn., owns Technology Value Financial; PC Parts, Inc.; Penn Data Networks; PC Surplus Online; and PC Surplus Recycling.
GreenLoop IT provides organizations with a closed-loop technology lifecycle. Electronics are replaced at the end of a lease and their parts harvested and recycled, providing material for manufacturing new electronics.
TVF is headed by Vic Eilau, senior vice president and a GreenLoop IT principal. Eilau plans to add additional employees over the next year to keep up with demand.
“Hundreds of companies are in the electronic parts or leasing business, but no company but GreenLoop has moved the two functions together to provide corporate technology solutions from leasing, to harvesting of used electronic parts, to recycling, which allows for re-manufacturing new electronics,” said Eilau.
GreenLoop IT offers a comprehensive IT life-cycle management solution to providing technology for businesses. The company’s mission is to provide a profitable blend of environmentally-conscious technology after-market products and related services.
GreenLoop’s subsidiary, PC Parts, Inc. was named to the Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row this year as one of the nation’s fast-growing, privately-held companies. Penn Data Networks provides logistics, technology maintenance and repair, and temporary staffing. PC Surplus Online is an e-commerce re-seller, and PC Surplus Recycling is an electronics scrap recycling business.
“Most organizations literally have closets full of outdated technology,” said Eilau, “but what are they doing with that equipment? Our solutions allow them to lease the technology and avoid all the disposal issues at the end of the lease. The unit can be processed and useable tech parts re-used. Remaining components are sold for commodity value, and new equipment manufactured from recycled materials.”
Eilau said most organizations don’t want equipment at the end of a lease, but Technology Value Financial does– because the returned equipment feeds its parts business.
“In many cases, the parts value of returned technology can be more valuable than the whole unit,” said Eilau. “Our customers end up with better solutions because they know we are able to provide them lower rates on the lease if our affiliate gets the residuals.”
ecoATM’s award-winning consumer electronics recycling kiosk will be exhibited at the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 to 13 January during the 2012 International CES.
The company, based in San Diego, is known for designing novel kiosks that automate the buy-back procedure of used mobile phones and portable electronics directly from consumers.
The innovative kiosk solves the emerging problem of e-waste across the globe. The company utilizes patented electronic diagnostics, machine vision and artificial intelligence to assess and purchase used MP3 players and mobile phones directly from consumers. The kiosks offer a suitable trade-in solution by visually and electronically evaluating consumer electronics. Payment is made instantly to the consumers either in cash or store credit. The kiosks automatically administer both trade-in and trade-up promotions for manufacturers and retailers.
ecoATM’s Chairman and CEO, Tom Tullie stated that the company will demonstrate its latest technology to consumers, device manufacturers, government officials and retailers at the International CES.
The company believes that used electronics can be restored and utilized by consumers. In fact, around 75% of the used devices can be reused again. For the remaining electronics, the company works with BAN-certified or R2-certified recyclers who recover the precious metals and raw materials in an eco-friendly way.
ecoATM has set up a network of kiosks across California and has also planned a nationwide rollout in 2012. At present, the kiosks can accept MP3 players and cell phones. By January end, they will also accept Kindle, iPad, Galaxy and Nook.
The company has received a number of awards. Some of the awards include Innovative product of the year at the 2010 International electronics recycling conference & expo (IERCE), CONNECT’s Most Innovative Product Award 2009, Coinstar’s Next Big Idea Contest; Popular Science’s 2010 Best of What’s New Award in Green Technology, and Green Goddess Award for DEMO Spring to name a few.
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E-waste management company eRecyclingCorps (ERC) has secured a $35 million funding, led by investors Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
ERC launched in 2009, with investments from OpenAir Equity Partners and S.J.F. Ventures, and has since gained Verizon and Sprint as customers for its “instant in-store credit” incentive plan for the recycling of phased out mobile devices.
ERC was founded on the idea of creating opportunities to recycle the 130 million annually discarded mobile devices in the U.S., in a manner that benefits both mobile carriers and customers. Currently only 10% of such mobile devices are recycled, according to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The company was founded by former RadioShack CEO David Edmondson, and former Sprint PCS CEO and current Managing Director of OpenAir Equity Partners, Ron LeMay.
ERC works through a Web-based platform that applies credits for old mobile devices toward the sale of new ones at participating carrier retail stores, where 60% of all U.S. wireless devices are sold. The company’s website mentions that the average American changes his or her mobile handset every 12-18 months. ERC trades more than 2.5 million every year, since its inception in 2009.
The company complies with EPA guidelines, including the use of “downstream recyclers and processors,” and implementing a “zero landfill” policy.
ERC recycles these devices through refurbishment and then offering them for reuse. “We partner with Level 3 and 4 certified device processing, repair and refurbishment operations,” says the company on their website. ”This ensures not only industry-leading renewal, but also a strict data clearing and privacy approach.”
ERC also indicated on their website that recycled mobile devices are reused by “people in developing countries with limited means.” Whether those devices are donated or sold in this part of the recycling process, or what the terms of those sales are, is not immediately clear.
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The Consumer Electronics Association spent $760,000 to lobby the federal government during the third quarter on electronics recycling, trade, rules for the federal Energy Star program and other issues, according to a disclosure report.
That is the same amount it spent in the second quarter and more than the $400,000 it spent a year ago, according to reports filed with the House clerk’s office.
According to its Oct. 20 filing, the CEA lobbied Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House and Energy Department and other federal agencies.
Many of its concerns involved the environment. CEA represents manufacturers and distributors of consumer electronics, including Apple Inc., Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. One of the challenges facing the industry is how to make products with fewer hazardous materials and how to make it easy for consumers to dispose of them properly after upgrading to new gadgets.
The CEA also lobbied on issues related to free trade. American tech companies have sought loosening of trade regulations so they can sell more products abroad.
CEA also lobbied on issues including wireless communications and energy efficiency.
]]>E-waste is estimated to comprise only .01% to 3% of the world’s total solid waste stream. Despite being such a small portion of world waste, e-waste is receiving a lot of attention due to both its high toxicity and its rapid growth (2-3 times faster than any other waste stream). Because of its economic value, e-waste is quickly becoming less of an environmental problem and more of a market opportunity.
E-Waste Recycling and Reuse Services Worldwide, a new market research study from SBI Energy, finds that in 2010 the e-waste R&R services market value totaled close to $6.8 billion, up from $6.2 billion in 2009, nearly a 10% increase. Industry growth is expected to continue on its uphill path at least through the next decade, with collection services alone more than tripling by 2020. In 2011, China and India are estimated to retain the largest market shares, in terms of value, with approximate 24% and 22% respectively.
The e-waste R&R services industry is complex and sometimes even elusive. Nana Lapham, SBI Energy analyst, explains, “A simple route for an electronic item on its way to be recycled may entail collection from a garbage collector, triage by a dismantling company and then final processing by an end processor, such as a smelter or refiner. More complex routes may be more difficult to track and E&E items may be undocumented in storage somewhere, overseas illegally or even in landfills. It is not uncommon for an e-waste collector, or even dismantler, to have little or no knowledge regarding the destination of its products. This situation is changing, however, as the regulatory framework for e-waste R&R services becomes more established — at least in some regions — as the market continues to evolve and grow.
E-Waste Recycling and Reuse Services Worldwide contains comprehensive historical data (2006-2010) and forecast data (2011-2020). This report identifies key trends and factors (such as the regulatory scene, new technologies, employment opportunities and economic drivers and challenges), which affect the size and direction of e-waste R&R market growth around the world. Profiles of more than a dozen companies involved in the e-waste recycling and reuse industry are also included.
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LIFECYCLExpress®, a division of CXtec® that specializes in IT asset management and e-scrap recycling, received its designation as a Certified Electronics Recycler® this month.
In order to receive this designation, LIFECYCLExpress implemented quality, environmental health and safety (QEH&S) systems and received certifications in two e-scrap industry standards: Responsible Recycling (R2) and the Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS).
Under its Responsible Recycling certification, LIFECYCLExpress must adhere to all electronics recycling legal requirements and implement strict data destruction procedures, as well as establish a reuse and recovery hierarchy of responsible materials management. The certification also calls for refurbishing and properly testing reusable equipment and components.
The RIOS certification calls for an integrated management system that focuses on continual improvement of quality, environmental, health and safety performance.
“Becoming a Certified Electronics Recycler assures customers that they can trust us to handle their e-scrap in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly way,” says Peter E. Belyea, President of CXtec. “It removes the uncertainty organizations have in finding a reliable, responsible e-scrap partner.”
LIFECYCLExpress is one of just one of 22 companies designated a Certified Electronics Recycler and the only R2/RIOS facility in New York State that is also ISO 9001:2008-certified.
For more information about LIFECYCLExpress, visit http://www.cxtec.com/lifecyclexpress.
About CXtec®
For more than three decades, CXtec has helped customers reduce the cost of their networking and technology infrastructures. CXtec pioneers new product categories like equal2new® certified pre-owned networking and voice hardware with its lifetime warranty with first year advance replacement, and develops innovations like the CABLExpress® Skinny-Trunk® Solution, a high-density fiber optic data center cabling system. It creates new ways to maximize the value of unwanted IT assets and continues to provide a comprehensive offering of technology products that keeps networks up and costs down.
]]>Also on, November 15, America Recycles Day, officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the General Services Administration visited the company’s facilities to recognize AERC/Com-Cycle for becoming the nation’s newest Certified Responsible Recycler (R2) for electronics. With five electronics processing facilities across the country, AERC/Com-Cycle is one of the nation’s largest single electronics recyclers. The Allentown facility processes more than 600,000 pounds of electronics monthly and is a zero-landfill facility.
“AERC was distinguished as one of the first electronics recycling companies to become a Certified Electronics Recycler® when the West Melbourne, Florida facility attained R2 / RIOS™ certification back in July 2010. By having attained this Certified Electronics Recycler® designation at all of its Electronics Processing Com-Cycle facilities, AERC further demonstrates its competitiveness in the marketplace and commitment to continuous improvement within the organization,” states Lindsay L. Kissel, AERC Recycling Solutions company spokesperson.
“AERC Com-Cycle Facilities are clearly committed to the highest standards of quality, health and safety and protection of the environment as demonstrated by their certification to R2/RIOS,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “The U.S. electronics recycling industry is growing rapidly, creating jobs in the United States and recovering valuable resources while also keeping electronics out of landfills. AERC and its facilities are excellent examples of how electronics recycling can be done safely and responsibly here at home and abroad.”
RIOS™–the recycling industry’s standard for integrated quality, environmental and health & safety management systems–is administered by ISRI Services Corporation (ISC). The R2 Practices is the consensus standard for responsible electronics recycling developed by a multi-stakeholder group convened by the U.S. EPA. R2 is supported by ISC via the RIOS™ program and is administered by R2 Solutions (http://www.R2Solutions.org). R2 contains specific requirements for recyclers who dismantle, refurbish or recycle end-of-life electronics. Together, these industry standards make up ISRI’s R2 / RIOS™ Certified Electronics Recycler® Program.
In addition to having attained R2 / RIOS™ Certifications at all AERC / Com-Cycle locations, AERC’s other points of distinction further define key benefits that AERC has to offer its clients. All AERC facilities are registered with or permitted by the EPA and are in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, Local EPA and OSHA regulations. AERC stands out as the first company in the industry which now combines the rigorous permitting process under the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) for Hazardous Waste handling and
processing as well as meeting the standards set by the R2 and RIOS™ Certification Programs. The Company has been permitted for almost two decades for the safe and best available technology for mercury recycling and recovery. AERC Allentown is one of the few mercury retort operations in the United States.
Other points of distinction for the Company include membership to Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), National Association of Information Destruction (NAID), Association of Service and Computer Dealers International (ASCDI), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG). AERC’s Electronics Processing Com-Cycle facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania is NAID Certified. Company facility locations throughout the United States have been audited by CHWMEG, an independent auditor used by many Fortune 500 companies. In addition to electronics recycling services, AERC also manages Universal Wastes including lamps, batteries, ballasts, and mercury-containing devices.
The R2 standard can be found at the US EPA’s website (http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ecycling/r2practices.htm) or R2 Solutions’ website (http://www.R2Solutions.org).
Information about RIOS™ can be found on ISRI’s website:
https://www.isri.org/RIOS
Certified Electronics Recycler® facilities are listed at:
http://www.certifiedelectronicsrecycler.com
Through the program, Staples will accept the trade-in of used electronics from more than 20 product categories regardless of where they were purchased. Eligible items that do not have trade-in value can still be sent to Gazelle for free recycling or brought to the nearest Staples store for recycling. This new service offering supports Staples’ industry leading commitment to providing easy electronics recycling solutions to customers.
The Staples Tech Trade-In program is free, easy to use and helps customers avoid the hassle of selling or recycling their used items themselves. Interested customers can follow these easy steps to participate in the program:
- Visit www.staples.gazelle.com
- Get an offer on your used electronics by answering a few quick questions.
- Ship your items. Shipping is free and you may even qualify for free packaging.
- Receive a Staples eGift card delivered to your email address for the total value of your items.
- Shop at any Staples store with your eGift card.
“By working with Gazelle, we’re able to reward our customers for their used electronics and support the reuse of these devices, the best kind of recycling,” said Mark Buckley, vice president, environmental affairs at Staples. “This new Tech Trade-In program, along with our existing easy technology recycling program offered at stores nationally, will help Staples reach our goal of recycling 40 million pounds of electronics by 2020.”
“We’re thrilled to launch this program with Staples, the world’s leading provider of office products and a company that cares for the environment. We look forward to working together toward the goal of redefining electronics consumption,” said Israel Ganot, CEO of Gazelle. “With this program, Staples customers can begin to adopt reCommerce behavior as a way to cost effectively upgrade consumer electronics in time for the holiday season and beyond.”
Every item Gazelle receives during the trade-in transaction is hand inspected by a trained member of Gazelle’s gadget lab team. During this process, Gazelle will confirm the item’s value and will remove and destroy any customer personal information remaining on the device. Payment to participants, in the form of Staples eGift Card credit, will be determined by the type of product, its age and condition. eGift cards will be sent within approximately seven days of an item being received.
To learn more about Staples commitment to sustainability, please visit www.staples.com/environment.
ABOUT STAPLES
Staples is the world’s largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions. The company provides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and now has annual sales of $25 billion, ranking second in the world in eCommerce sales. With 90,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia andAustralia, making it easy for businesses of all sizes, and consumers. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.
ABOUT GAZELLE
Gazelle (www.gazelle.com), a service of Second Rotation, Inc., provides the easiest, fastest and safest way for consumers to get cash for their unwanted electronic devices. Gazelle takes the risk and effort out of selling electronic gadgets online and provides its users with benefits such as free shipping and packaging and comprehensive identity/data removal. To date, Gazelle has helped more than 220,000 consumers trade their used gadgets to de-clutter their lives, earn quick cash and generally lead a greener lifestyle. Based in Boston, Gazelle is backed by premier venture capital firms Craton Equity Partners, Physic Ventures, Venrock Associates and RockPort Capital Partners.
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