How is certified electronics recycling different from standard recycling?
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (EPA) outlines two major certifications in regards to electronic recycling: the e-Stewards®Standard for Responsible Recycling (e-Stewards®) and Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI®) Responsible Recycling (R2) Standards for Electronics Reuse and Recycling.
SERI: R2v3 Certification allows for companies to verify through third-party auditors that the policies, processes, personnel, storage, and transport or handling of your electronic devices are taken care of in a way that minimizes negative exposure to the environment and ensures safe management of materials including data security.
An R2V3 and NAID AAA certified recycler can certify that your data was destroyed in the safest way possible. You will be able to have piece of mind that your data was disposed of while saving your staff valuable time. Certifications can also mean you are protecting the environment from hazardous chemicals that come from electronic devices. There are many benefits to working with a properly certified recycler.
Some key reasons why you want to use a certified electronics recycler:
- Compliance with information security and environmental laws
- Reducing the environmental and human health impacts of improper recycling
- Increased access to quality reusable and refurbished equipment
- Reducing energy used to create electronics, along with the other environmental impacts associated with mining and processing raw materials.
Certified electronics recyclers have the ability to provide you with certifications confirming that your devices were handled in compliance with local regulations and standards. Companies who are not certified experience liability risks, health concerns for staff, and environmental problems while the companies carry out their recycling duties.
There is a lot of risk when it comes to recycling your outdated devices. Working with a certified recycler means you are working with someone with the ability to protect you from these risks. You need to ensure you are operating in a very safe and compliant way, by working with a certified recycler.
Read more about the importance of certification by reading our blog, “The importance of using R2V3 and NAID AAA Recycling Companies for ITAD and eWaste”