Electronics

Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment

All electronics recyclers should be certified by demonstrating to an accredited, independent third-party auditor that they meet specific standards to safely recycle and manage electronics. Currently two accredited certification standards exist: the Responsible Recycling ("R2") Standard for Electronics Recyclers and the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment. See EPA’s webpage on certified electronics recyclers for more information. 

Proposed procurement goals: 
  • Prior to end-of-life, evaluate all electronic equipment for product take-back options, reuse, refurbishment, or responsible donation
  • For equipment that cannot be refurbished, send 100% of discarded electronic equipment to a certified electronic recycler 
Case studies: 
  • Phoenix, AZ: Vendors and services with take-back programs (e.g. carpet or computer take-back programs) used by the city shall adequately demonstrate responsible recycling programs. Responsible recycling programs for electronics can be demonstrated by certification or compliance with a voluntary electronics recycling standard such as e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, EPA’s Plug-in to eCycling: Guidelines for Materials Management, or an ISO 14001 environmental management system. RPN