When it comes to electronics recycling, it’s important that materials are handled appropriately, preventing harm to human health and the environment. Materials must be handled both ethically and sustainably. Transparency through the recycling process is key to ensuring this.

Utilizing one of our electronic recycling events ensures that your old electronics are recycled in an environmentally sound manner. We ensure that the vendor that we work with handles all of the collected materials safely and efficiently. The facility has strict standards for what happens to materials, verified by third-party certification organizations that partner with a diverse group of stakeholders that include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state governments, manufacturers, recyclers, trade groups, and non-governmental organizations.

These certifications are specific to the electronics recycling industry. The certifications don’t only cover recycling, but also refurbishing and reclaiming of devices and materials. The certified process focuses on reuse, data security and destruction, recycling, and value recovery of used electronics. Collected electronics are followed through the whole chain of custody.

Certifications must be renewed on a regular basis and include in-depth audits. The vendor that we work with ensures electronic equipment is being recycled with the highest standards for environmental best practices, worker health and safety, data privacy, and facility security.

One question you may have when it comes to recycling electronic waste is, how do I know my confidential data is protected? As owners and operators of multiple electronic devices, we are becoming ever more aware of the importance of protecting our personal data. As devices become even more ingrained in our everyday lives, we must protect our personal information. Just because something is sitting around the house unused does not mean that your personal information and data is safe. By bringing your old and unused devices to an electronic waste recycling event you can ensure that your data is secure. How can you be sure your confidential data is properly managed and securely destroyed?

Our electronic waste recycling events ensure secure collection of materials and hauling of materials to a dedicated electronics recycling facility. Materials are then inventoried and tracked throughout the process ensuring that confidential data is never exposed. This facility employs technicians that are trained to destroy data in compliance with strict security standards.

You do not need to wipe or destroy data or hard drives prior to bringing to one of our electronic waste collection events. DO NOT drill into materials as you can hit the lithium-ion battery and create a dangerous fire hazard. We work with experts who ensure that all materials are handled securely and safely.

Due the sensitive data, valuable materials, and the potential for environmentally hazardous materials- how your electronic waste is handled is important. Electronics should never be placed in your household recycling bin or the trash. There are free and convenient drop-off locations located throughout Ontario County or you can bring your unwanted electronic devices to one of our electronic waste recycling events which are always free to Ontario County residents. Visit our website for details.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Americans currently own more than 3 billion electronic products. The average American has 24 devices per household. As the use of these electronic products has grown, the average lifespan of these products becomes shorter. This in turn has resulted in increased volume of discarded and obsolete electronic devices. The resulting waste, commonly known as “e-waste,” is the fastest-growing component of the municipal waste stream in the United States.”

Twenty-five U.S. states (plus the District of Columbia) currently have electronics recycling laws. New York State (NYS) consumers are required to recycle many electronic waste items, such as computers, computer peripherals, televisions, small scale servers, and small electronic equipment, etc., in an environmentally responsible manner. The NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act requires manufacturers to provide free and convenient recycling of electronic waste to most consumers in the state.

Also according to the EPA, “Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials.”

This month we are going to focus on electronic waste and best practices, we will cover: secure data destruction, third-party environmental certifications, and what happens to your e-waste after it is collected.