All businesses have electronic waste at some point. Business electronic waste laws and certifications are on the rise in many states even though there is no federally mandated e-waste recycling for businesses. Taking steps to prevent e-waste from entering into landfills or incinerators protects the environment. Even if your business is not in a state with e-waste recycling laws, recycling provides an opportunity for your business to be greener and avoid federal fines.
Proper Electronics Recycling
The increased usage of electronics across a variety of sectors has raised awareness on proper ewaste disposal and recycling techniques. Environmental awareness has also lent its support behind electronic recycling. The resources needed for the ever more technical components of computers, phones and other devices are finite, expensive and often reusable in other electronic devices.
Environmentally Safer
E-waste not only doesn’t decompose for a very long time in landfills, but most electronics are filled with hazardous waste. Chemicals such as nickel, mercury and lead leave the electronics over time and leach into the ground potentially contaminating the land, air and water sources.
Many of the components of electronic devices are recyclable including:
- Platinum
- Gold
- Copper
- Non-precious metals
- Silver
- Glass
- Plastics
State Laws on Ewaste Disposal and Electronics Recycling
Businesses can be fined for improper disposal by the federal government. In addition to federal regulations, many states and local municipalities have laws or regulations they enforce. Looking into all the available acts can ensure your business is in compliance down to the local level. Federal regulations are outlined in several acts:
- Universal Waste Rule (UWR)
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
- Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)
Better E-Waste Recycling
Over the past several years, new regulations have come into effect to ensure that e-waste recycling businesses are following safe practices when dismantling end-of-life electronics. There are currently two certification programs in the US that are voluntary. The e-Stewards certification standard calls for recycling businesses to stop using prisoners to handle toxic electronic wastes, cease hazardous waste export to developing countries and discontinue hazardous e-waste into incinerators or landfills in municipalities. R2/RIOS certified electronics recycler program is supported by ISRI and is another rigorous certification program recycling businesses can obtain. Looking for these certifications by your recycler can assure, you as a business owner, that your e-waste is being handled safely and effectively.
California based, TechWaste Recycling is R2 and ISO certified and offers free nationwide pickup. We offer data destruction, electronics recycling and IT asset disposition and have several licenses to properly dispose of your e-waste. Avoid fines and help protect the environment by giving us a call today to handle your business’ electronic waste.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its facilities from nationwide locations. Schedule a Pickup with TechWaste Recycling’s at a time that works for your convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s certified electronics recycling process here: Certified Electronics Recycling
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469
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