How do you know if your electronics recycling company is legit?
There are a number of electronics recycling companies that offer FREE drop-offs, computer recycling days and other E-waste events across the nation. For businesses and individuals concerned about proper disposal of their computers and end-of-life electronics, what are the methods for vetting a legitimate recycler?
Are there really IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) companies that pose as “GREEN” and then dump monitors and electronics in the landfill?
A Colorado company called Executive Recycling told customers they dispose of and recycle electronic waste safely here in the U.S., but actually they were illegally shipping it overseas, selling much of it to China.
The company was fined $4.5 million and executives were sentenced to prison time, according to news sources.
In Ohio, authorities are investigating a large number of CRT monitors dumped together into the trash, suggesting they were the result of a collection of electronics for proper disposal. According to news sources, the EPA and local sheriff are searching for the culprit.
What does this mean for you?
Corporate electronics recycling
For businesses large and small, there is often an intention or commitment to be environmentally responsible, and there is also the public relations aspect of that commitment. It only takes one image of an old monitor with your company’s logo on the side being dismantled by a child laborer in a developing country to deliver a hard hit to your reputation.
You can make sure that never happens to you by dealing only with certified, reputable recycling providers. More importantly, make certain that your working with a company that also provides certified data destruction for all data bearing devices prior to recycling.
Individual electronics recycling
As an individual, you want to know that your electronics are being recycled responsibly and according to EPA standards. Otherwise you would just dump them in your own trash, right?! If you are motivated by environmental concerns, make sure to seek out a company that is certified and meets EPA standards.
According to the EPA, recycling one million laptops saves as much energy as is used in 3,500 U.S. homes in a year. For every million cellphones 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. Along with saving energy and preserving the environment, eCycling reduces waste content in landfills and the pollution caused from burning these non-biodegradable items.
Most electronics can be properly recycled to Environmental Protection Agency standards at no cost to the individual. Some exceptions apply contact us for more information.
Recyclable Electronics
- Desktop computers
- Laptops and tablets
- Monitors
- Printers and ink cartridges
- Cell phones
- Camcorders and cameras
- And more…
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