Electronics recycling offers the opportunity to transform old technology into a renewable resource. By reclaiming materials such as plastics, glass, and metals, e-scrap processors produce a valuable commodity for use in the next generation of electronic products.

This conservation strategy also protects the environment by keeping scrap materials out of city dumps and landfills. This is important because many of these products contain potentially toxic materials like lead and mercury which must be disposed of safely.

On this page we hope to provide you with information about cooperative sustainability efforts in the field of electronics.

Recently, recycling certification programs have been introduced to the marketplace. These programs are voluntary and formalize best management practices that meet a high level of standards. Many electronics recyclers recognize the value in obtaining these third-party accredited certifications such as the R2-Responsible Recycling Guidelines and eStewards.  In addition, many electronics recyclers are also obtaining certification through accredited programs like ISO, OHSAS and RIOS to prove their commitment to health and safety of workers and concern for environmental impacts.

Consumer distribution channels such as electronics and office equipment stores offer an easy way for end-users to recycle. Nationwide chains such as Best Buy and Office Depot have recently made their stores available as recycling drop-off locations for used equipment.

In the past, manufacturers often created their products with little thought as to the impact of their eventual disposal. Today this is changing. Efforts are now under way develop electronics that are designed for ease of recycling. EPEAT represents a collaborative effort on the part of producers, recyclers, and environmental organizations to create the next generation of green electronics which will use safer materials and will be much easier to disassemble and reuse.