Obsolete Electronics – waste or opportunity?
- 04/24/2018
Find out in a free webinar May 9th from 1-2:30 pm EST.
Retailers – it is very likely that you are selling more electronic gadgets than ever and as a result have an increasing amount of scrap or used electronics from damaged and unsalable items or returns. It’s no wonder, every year, Americans generate over 3 million tons of used electronics, of which less than 50 percent is reused or recycled. The volume of used electronics creates an opportunity for forward-thinking retailers to be part of the solution to reclaim valuable components from used electronics and meet their environmental stewardship goals while keeping potentially hazardous components out of landfills. Many states ban certain waste electronics from landfills creating more pressure to find acceptable solutions for this waste stream (visit the CRC’s state matrix on e-waste regulations for more information on state regulations).
The challenge goals include:
- Ensure responsible recycling by using third-party certified recyclers;
- Increase access to quality reusable and refurbished electronic equipment;
- Increase transparency and accountability through public posting of electronics collection and recycling data;
- Conserve valuable resources and energy required to produce new electronics; and
- Recognize innovations that use design practices that reduce the environmental and health impacts of products.
To learn more, visit the SMM Electronics Challenge website at: https://www.epa.gov/smm-electronics.
Or join EPA’s webinar on May 9th on SMM Electronics Challenge: What’s in it for you? Click here to find out!
