New Federal Strategy Promotes Electronics Recycling

July 22, 2011 – The Interagency Task Force on Electronics Stewardship, co-chaired by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the General Services Administration released the “National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship” at an event in Austin, TX on July 20, 2011.  The strategy report outlines that the federal government will:

• Promote the research and development of sustainable technology and products.
• Lead by example through directing federal agencies to purchase, reuse and recycle their electronics responsibly.
• Support and facilitate recycling options for the American consumer.
• Improve and strengthen America’s role in the handling of used electronics in the international stewardship arena.

The GSA (General Services Administration) will be revising the guidance for property disposition and a new reporting system will gather data on the type, quantity, end user, intended use and disposal of electronic waste. A collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the electronics industry are key components to the strategy. Both Dell and Sprint signed voluntary commitments at time of the release.  Sony Electronics representatives have also committed to improving the management of used electronics.  This collaboration should serve to encourage business and consumers alike to recycle their electronics with certified electronic recycling facilities.  The current existing third-party certification entities are R2 and E-Stewards – which continue to experience growth and support by both the Federal Government and industry.  For additional information on becoming certified as an electronics recycler please contact Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc. at 1-800-800-7910, or via email at pjr@pjr.com.