Business PickupOnly about a quarter of all e-waste is recycled, which leaves a significant amount of e-waste left to cause serious environmental and health risks. Mismanagement of discarded devices allows toxic materials to enter ecosystems, leading to human and environmental hazards. Further, there are also data security risks to consider when assets are handled improperly: both sensitive business data and the personal information of your customers is at risk.
Fortunately, there are standards for legitimate electronics recycling processes, which minimize environmental and data security risks. Depending on the nature of your business, certifying to an industry standard may be worthwhile for demonstrating your company’s commitment to safe and sustainable e-waste management.
What is e-waste certification?
E-waste certification is designation that entails a rigorous process which must be repeated periodically. It ensures all devices are processed safely and in a way that complies with high environmental standards. In Canada, there are several certifications that may fall under the category of e-waste certification.
Responsible Recycling (R2)
This is a leading standard for the repair and recycling of electronics, which encompasses common safety measures, documentation, and processes. R2 is an internationally recognized tool that offers guidance for managing used electronics responsibly. It also focuses on the data security and legal compliance aspects of end-of-life device management. Currently, there are more than 1,000 R2 certified facilities across 41 nations.
Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) Certification
The EPRA is a not-for-profit, industry-led organization. They provide program management for electronics recycling throughout Canada. Manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and other suppliers with extended producer responsibility requirements are required to be involved in an approved stewardship program, one of which is the EPRA program.
NSF Certification
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an internationally recognized organization for public health standards. The organization performs testing, auditing, and certification for a broad range of industries. In particular, ISO 9001 is the international benchmark for quality management, and ISO 45001 is the global comprehensive health and safety standard. Becoming certified in both of these standards can demonstrate your company’s commitment to quality and safety.
Additionally, 14001: Environmental Management Systems is a tool to help organizations minimize the environmental impact of their activities. Being ISO 14001 certified therefore demonstrates your company’s commitment to improving its environmental performance, including setting sustainability targets and demonstrating that they’ve been achieved.
What are the benefits of e-waste certification?
Becoming certified or working with a certified e-waste recycler offers many benefits for your company.
Legal compliance
There are many regulations governing e-waste disposal, including both local and international laws. Proper e-waste management enables businesses to comply with these regulations. Further, being certified or working with a certified recycling facility ensures compliance with data security laws, such as GDPR.
Reputation and brand image
Corporate social responsibility/ESG policies are important in today’s market. Having e-waste certification (or partnering with companies who do) can enhance your company’s reputation and build trust among key stakeholders.
Environmental benefits
Using certified e-waste recycling processes reduces your business’s environmental impact. You’ll prevent harmful substances from entering landfills and avoid contributing to the pollution of ecosystems, while promoting sustainable practices and the conservation of natural resources.
Cost savings
Industry standards like ISO 14001 call for efficient recycling and reuse processes, which ultimately helps to control costs. Additionally, becoming certified or working with a certified recycler can prevent potential fines and penalties from non-compliance.
Ensuring your e-waste is handled responsibly
It’s not feasible or necessary for all businesses to become certified in an e-waste recycling standard, but at the very least, businesses of all scope and size should partner with a certified recycling facility to ensure their devices are handled responsibly.
Quantum offers solutions for businesses with all electronics management needs, including reuse, recycling, and data destruction. We are R2, NSF, and EPRA certified across our various locations, representing adherence with the most rigorous industry standards.
Find out more about Quantum’s e-waste recycling and data destruction certifications here. To see how we could help meet your business’s e-waste management needs, contact us here.