E-Stewards: A Global Leader in Promoting Safe & Healthy Electronics Recycling

This post continues our blog series on recycling. In particular, the growing need for electronics recycling. Exploring electronics recycling led us to e-Stewards, a global leader in promoting safe and healthy electronics recycling. Click here to view the company website.

The e-Stewards Standard combines 14001 and R2 (Responsible Recycling) prohibiting e-waste from being disposed in landfills and incinerators. The standard also requires full compliance with global hazardous waste treaties for the exporting and importing of electronics.

Most importantly, the e-Stewards certification offers the peace of mind to businesses and consumers alike that the certified recycling company institutes practices of integrity:

e-Stewards is a global team of individuals, institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies upholding a safe, ethical, and globally responsible standard for e-waste recycling and refurbishment. We stop the export of illegal hazardous e-waste to developing nations and create a safe, green, and just world through sharing and using the principled and practical standard for electronics recycling and reuse.

Basel Action Network

The roots of e-Stewards trace to the the Basel Action Network (BAN) which namesake derives from the 1989 United Nations Basel Convention. The BAN mission includes the following:

In 2003, the Basel Action Network, a nonprofit dedicated to turning back the tide of toxins and waste to developing nations, launched the e-Stewards Pledge program. Over forty qualified electronics recyclers with one hundred locations across the US and Canada pledged to use only globally responsible, safe means to process electronic waste, more widely known as e-waste. BAN’s e-Stewards Pledge was the only program in North America to make real progress in establishing and ensuring e-waste recycling best practices for toxic materials.

In addition, e-Stewards addresses and identifies the main culprits that cause environmental concerns with electronics recycling or e-waste. Adhering to the foundation of the 1989 United Nations Basel Convention of restricting hazardous and toxic material.

For example, revealing the risks and challenges with CRT tubes:

E-waste contains toxic metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium as well as toxic organic chemicals such as brominated flame retardants. Old style cathode-ray-tube (CRT) computer monitors can contain up to 7 pounds of lead in the CRT tubes. In addition and even more dangerous, are the toxic phosphor compound coatings inside the tube. Most circuit boards, found in virtually all e-waste, still contain toxic lead-tin solders, toxic beryllium and  persistent polluting brominated flame retardants.

Finally, check out this link which titled “Who Gets Stepped On”  which includes an interesting video.

Also, here is another video on electronics recycling best practices from 60 Minutes on CBS:

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading our post. Hopefully you found this information helpful when selecting a electronics recycling firm.

Lastly, to learn more about Falconer Electronics, check out these helpful links below:

•  Wire Harness Manufacturing Terms, Tools, and Tips of the Trade
• Build Your Business Tips: Selecting a Wire Harness Manufacturer
• Ground Straps: What Are They And What Are They Used For?
• Check out the Ground Strap Express