Choosing a vendor and building a process for electronics and computer recycling does not have to be complex. You just need to make sure you do it right. If you don’t, you risk breaking laws, being fined, and getting bad PR. Here are three simple rules that you can follow so that you get it done right.
Rule #1: Become Familiar with Your Recycler
Choosing a reputable recycler isn’t difficult as long as you know what to look for. In addition to being in the industry for a healthy amount of time, it is essential that the recycler you choose is certified by either e-Stewards or R2 Solutions. If not, then this should be a deal breaker. Reputable electronics recycling companies like Lifespan, which was one of the first companies in the industry to obtain an electronics recycling certification, can tell you where every bit of material ends up, all the way until it becomes a commodity for new manufacturing. Specifically ask how they handle and dispose of hazardous materials or focus on specific materials such as lead, mercury and batteries. Also ask about their plant safety record, about employee training, and security. A certified recycler will have all of this information documented, and can also show you all of it “in action” inside one of their facilities.
Rule #2: If it Sounds Almost too Good to be True, It’s Probably Not Good
While it may seem cliché to fall back on the old adage of “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” it applies to electronics recycling. For example, many recycling companies have popped up over the years claiming to offer “free” recycling services, despite the fact that proper, compliant and certified electronics recycling, comes with a cost. Many of these companies have closed their doors, some leaving behind warehouses full of e-waste. If you get an offer for free recycling, make sure you understand how the company pays its expenses and makes a profit. Ask about employee health and safety and other questions from rule #1. Otherwise, you have no idea what they may do with your devices or data and you risk liability for a data breach or environmental damage.
Rule #3: Devise a Plan and Stick with It (or Make it Better)
When companies realize that their IT recycling processes are not as robust as they know they should be, they typically put a lot of effort into setting up rules and a strong process. They create specific protocols to reduce risks and minimize costs, which is exactly how it should be done. The next key is to select a vendor who will partner with you to ensure that your rules and processes are consistently followed across all your locations and departments. Providing a “launch” training for employees involved in ITAD and a simple to follow process manual can make a big difference in how well your requirements are followed.
Make sure you have the ability to report and analyze the process and data from all of your locations. You may find that there are ways to improve your program and results. If you need to make changes, work with your ITAD partner to be sure they are implemented properly and consistently. You can keep it simple; just make sure it’s always compliant.
Lifespan understands the importance of having a proper recycling program for all technology, including desktop clients, mobile devices, telecom equipment, and data center equipment. Our ITAD professionals work closely with your company to ensure that you have a recycling plan in place and assist you with following through on that plan. Together, we can protect your data and the environment.
Ready to get started? Download our ITAD Self Assessment Guide and thenschedule a tour of one of our facilities!
