The state Department of Natural Resources says Wisconsin’s electronic recycling program is rolling. The E-Cycle Wisconsin program came out of a 2009 state law that requires electronic manufacturers to fund a recycling program for homes and schools’ old televisions, computers, monitors and other electronics. The program got under way in January 2010.

According to Wisconsin DNR E-Cycle Program figures, registered collectors took in 10.4 million pounds of old televisions, computers and other electronics during the first six months of 2010. Over the year that ended this past June collectors took in 35.1 million pounds.

Collection sites are located in 68 of the state’s 72 counties. A list is available on the DNR’s website.

ROUND2 INC. and its parent Round2 Technologies, Inc. (“ROUND2”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT).  ROUND2 INC. is a leading eRecycling service provider offering a wide range of integrated asset disposition and technology recovery solutions at each of its US-based, R2 certified ReDistribution Centers.  ROUND2 will become part of Avnet Integrated Resources, which provides reverse logistics and after-market services to the global technology industry.  The acquisition has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is subject to the approval of the shareholders of ROUND2, as well as customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close on January 3, 2012.

Avnet, Inc. (Avnet), together with its subsidiaries, is an industrial distributor of electronic components, enterprise computer and storage products and embedded subsystems. The Company distributes electronic components, computer products and software as received from its suppliers or with assembly or other value added by Avnet. Additionally, Avnet provides engineering design, materials management and logistics services, system integration and configuration, and supply chain services that can be customized to meet the requirements of both customers and suppliers.

“I am proud of the company that we have built and this transaction is an excellent opportunity for ROUND2 to execute our long-term vision for global reverse logistics,” said Randy Weiss, ROUND2’s President and CEO.  “Avnet has demonstrated strength, leadership, and integrity in their competitive markets and I expect this transaction to provide long-term stability and creative growth channels for our clients.  I look forward to working closely with the Avnet Integrated Resources team to create a world-class reverse logistics solution.”

“The acquisition of Round2 Technologies is extremely important to Avnet, as it completes this phase of our strategy to offer a total solution to the after-market services industry.  With ROUND2’s strong presence and capabilities in e-waste disposal, coupled with our existing businesses and recently announced acquisitions, we will be able to  offer call center services, repair and refurbishment services including complex repairs, and environmentally responsible disposal of those assets that no longer have usability as these companies are integrated into Avnet,”  stated Steve Church, President, Avnet Integrated Resources.

6.8 million additional U.S. households can recycle end-of-life electronics free

–Expansion expected to divert additional 7.5 million pounds of computer equipment from landfills annually

Dell and Goodwill Industries International continue making it easy for customers to be green, today announcing that an additional 319 donation sites in the U.S. have joined Dell Reconnect. The free program offers an easy, convenient and responsible way for people to recycle end-of-life computer equipment.

With the expansion, Dell Reconnect will be offered in 77 additional counties across Florida, Ohio, Alabama, and Kansas. There are now more than 2,600 Goodwill(R) drop-off locations in the U.S. and Canada giving more than 6.8 million households access to free electronics recycling. The expansion is estimated to divert another 7.5 million pounds of unwanted electronics from landfills annually.

For a complete list of participating Goodwill locations and to learn more about Dell Reconnect visit www.dellreconnect.com .

Dell & Recycling

Dell Reconnect contributed to the company recycling more than 150 million pounds of end-of-life equipment in its fiscal year 2011. Since 2004, Dell Reconnect has recycled more than 230 million pounds of end-of-life computer equipment, helping Dell toward its global goal of recycling 1 billion pounds of computer equipment by 2014.

Quotes

“Our goal is to deliver the highest quality and most energy-efficient products with the least impact on the environment,” said Beth Johnson, Dell Reconnect Program Manager. “This addition to Dell’s take-back programs extends our industry leadership in ensuring that end-of-life computer equipment stays out of landfills.”

“The Dell Reconnect program aligns Goodwill and Dell’s environmental sustainability efforts and translates into jobs and training opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Any revenues from the program enable us to enhance and expand our overall services to the community, and create new work opportunities.”

CExchange program to provide US Cellular customers with a valuable and eco-friendly option for used handsets and tablets

CExchange, the leading independent electronics trade-in and recycling company, announced today that they have launched an online and store assisted trade-in and recycling program for used cell phones and tablets as a service supplier to U.S. Cellular.

“We are extremely pleased to announce our relationship with U.S. Cellular,” said Scott Nordhaus, CEO of CExchange. “Having U.S. Cellular choose our company as their provider after reviewing all possible competitors was confirmation that we are doing the right things to provide our clients with the value, processes, and environmental oversight they require of their suppliers. U.S. Cellular is a well-respected provider in the wireless space, and their team is well aligned with ours as we are both keenly focused on providing a great customer experience. We look forward to delighting customers with the value we can provide for many cell phones and tablets, allowing them a more economical trade-up to a new U.S. Cellular device, and giving them a simple and free recycling option for other qualifying devices in these categories that no longer have value.”

“Our partnership with CExchange represents another opportunity to deliver a convenient service for our customers and potential customers,” said Ed Perez, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Operations for U.S. Cellular. “When people come into our stores for our cutting-edge line-up of smartphones and tablets, we can introduce them to our trade-in and recycling program.”

Smith & Associates, a leader in the independent distribution of semiconductors and electronic components, recently announced it has been named an “e-Stewards Enterprise” by the Basel Action Network, the world’s only organization focused on confronting the global environmental injustice and economic inefficiency of toxic trade (toxic wastes, products and technologies) and its devastating impacts. The certification further demonstrates Smith & Associates’ ongoing commitment to becoming a fully sustainable worldwide organization and an industry leader in implementing solutions addressing pervasive global environmental problems including e-waste.

As an e-Stewards Enterprise, Smith & Associates agrees to always make best efforts to work with e-Stewards Recyclers, ensuring that Smith & Associates’ e-waste does not contribute to the global toxic waste crisis. E-Stewards Recyclers undergo a professional audit every year to guarantee they do not export hazardous recycling byproducts to developing countries, use U.S. prison labor, or dump in municipal landfills. E-Stewards recyclers also ensure that private data is kept secure, and that their operations protect both workers and the environment.

Massive Scale of Global E-waste Problem
E-waste has evolved into a growing global environmental challenge with profound and long-lasting repercussions on the environment. Governments from around the world, including U.S. environmental policies, have been slow to address the issue. With the mass proliferation of desktop computers, laptops and smart phones flooding the market, e-waste is now the fastest growing part of the U.S. garbage stream. According to Time Magazine, Americans throw out more than 350,000 cell phones and 130,000 computers every day. Improperly disposed of, the lead, mercury and other toxic materials inside e-waste can leak from landfills and pollute communities.

Environmental Leadership Stems from a Strong Corporate Culture
Smith & Associates has been aggressively implementing a strong corporate culture whereby environmental sustainability is a key focus of a larger commitment toward “green” practices. Smith & Associates has partnered with companies including ONTILITY and Solar Community to enable its Houston-based corporate headquarters to become a prime example of green innovation, including:

•     Installation of a “cool roof” and solar TPO poly roof system which saves non-renewable resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
•     Solar installation includes 140kW of renewable energy generated by a solar photovoltaic (PV) system located on the roof and parking structure, plus a solar thermal system for producing hot water.
•     LED and more energy-efficient metal halide lights have been installed to reduce energy and increase lighting efficiency for all exterior light fixtures and poles, including entrance and ground lighting.

Commitment Toward Sustainability
“Being recognized by the Basel Action Network as an e-Stewards enterprise is a clear validation of our greater commitment toward becoming a fully sustainable global organization,” said Lee Ackerley, Chief Executive Officer at Smith & Associates. “Earlier this year, we opened our facility to our local and international partners to celebrate the physical transformation of our Houston headquarters into a sustainable facility. Heading into 2012 and beyond, Smith & Associates will continue to place a very high priority on taking every step possible from a financial and cultural perspective to ensure our organization reduces e-waste. As a company, we are taking a firm stand to only engage in business practices which are aligned with environmental sustainability.”

“At this pivotal moment in the worldwide e-waste crisis, Smith & Associates joins a growing number of business, academic and governmental leaders taking action to stem a toxic tide,” said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network, creator of the e-Stewards program.

Greater Business Community Collaborating to Reduce E-Waste
Smith & Associates recognizes that a collaborative effort will reap greater environmental rewards. Strategic partnerships with Ontility and SolarCommunity have yielded significant reductions in e-waste and the conservation of valuable energy resources in 2011; Smith & Associates will continue to implement additional changes to ensure it can reach its goal of becoming a 100 percent fully sustainable organization.

“Principled and practical certifications programs like e-Stewards are among the best tools in our global sustainability toolbox,” said Frances Beinecke, Executive Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Today, Smith & Associates has thrown its hat into a new arena of increasing importance – electronic product and waste stewardship.”

Adds Barbara Kyle, Executive Director of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition: “This is a real milestone for Smith & Associates and the entire business community. By rewarding industry leaders for such real progress, we can make significant progress toward greening our beleaguered planet.”

The electronics recycling facility operated by Ecovery, LLC in Loxley, AL, became a CERTIFIED ELECTRONICS RECYCLER® by receiving R2- Responsible Recycling designation on December 3, 2011 and the Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS®) certification on January 24, 2011.

Ecovery, LLC became certified by an accredited third-party auditor at its Loxley facility after the auditor verified all R2 requirements with ISRI. According to Ecovery’s Director of Commodities, Brock Norris, the company’s managers and consultants worked to design and implement systems that included an emphasis on Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS). These emphases lead to the hiring of David Windsor, their new manager of Environmental, Health and Safety.
“We set our goal to achieve CERTIFIED ELECTRONICS RECYCLER® by the end of 2011 and we are thrilled to have met this goal. Ecovery recognizes that the responsibility for environmental safety is important and we want our employees and customers to know we are a responsible e-scrap employer and partner,” says Norris.
R2/RIOS™ is the only program that can provide the trademarked designation of CERTIFIED ELECTRONICS RECYCLER®. Under its Responsible Recycling (R2) certification, Ecovery 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.
Ecovery specializes in mechanical de-manufacturing and separation of electronic and non-ferrous scrap. In addition to processing, Ecovery is the exclusive licensed representative for Guidetti, Lyndex, SCS, and KM-four of the most recognized and respected names in the European recycling equipment industry. Ecovery, LLC operates out of a 72,500+ square foot facility processing 2.5 million pounds per month of electronics and non-ferrous scrap.