We live in a digital age. According to the United Nations, every year around the world 53.6 million tons of electronic waste is generated. Of this, 83% of e-waste is not collected and ends up in landfills. This means a huge opportunity for the circular economy and upcycling of electronic items is being missed. The United States alone generates 6.9 million tons of e-waste each year. It goes without saying that responsible handling of electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming increasingly important. As businesses and individuals rapidly upgrade their electronic devices, it is important to properly dispose of and recycle old electronic devices to minimize environmental impact and protect human health. In this regard, e-Stewards certification has emerged as the gold standard for ethical and sustainable practices when handling e-waste. This certification sets strict guidelines for e-waste recyclers and e-waste producers on best practices for e-waste processing.

What is e-Stewards certification, and how does it fit in?

e-Stewards Certification is a globally recognized certification program developed by Basel Action Network (BAN) to promote responsible e-waste recycling. It also focuses on preventing the illegal export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries. Electronic waste recyclers are highly encouraged to get this certification. In almost all cases, electronic generators/suppliers will demand that the recyclers have implemented stringent guidelines and best practices for e-waste management. e-Stewards certification is of particular interest as it imposes stringent requirements on recyclers and processors to ensure that the highest environmental and social standards are maintained throughout the e-waste recycling process.

Achieving e-Stewards certification represents a commitment to:

Environmental Responsibility - e-Stewards certified recyclers must follow strict guidelines for the safe handling, processing, and disposal of electronic waste. They are obliged to take measures to minimize the release of hazardous substances into the environment and prevent pollution of air, water and soil. Additionally, certified recyclers must demonstrate proper handling of hazardous materials and adhere to sustainable recycling practices to conserve natural resources and energy. As part of the certification, a third party auditor will ensure that all the process controls and operations for e-waste are in compliance with the requirements of recycling regulations. Suppliers for e-waste recyclers mandate the e-stewards certification for successful business collaborations.

Social Responsibility - e-Stewards certification focuses on social responsibility and ethical business practices. There should be strong emphasis on proper due diligence on downstream processes. Any waste that comes out of the e-waste recycling industry should follow proper guidelines for its disposal. Certified recyclers must comply with human rights standards, including the prohibition of forced labor, child labor, and discrimination. We must also ensure the health and safety of workers involved in recycling electronic waste, and ensure fair wages and working conditions. Additionally, e-Stewards certified recyclers are committed to transparency and accountability in their operations, including accurate reporting and documentation of their e-waste processing processes.

Responsible waste management - By choosing an e-Stewards certified recycler, businesses and consumers can be confident that their old electronic devices will be responsibly recycled and managed at the end of their lifecycle. As per the e-Stewards guidelines, certified recyclers must follow strict process control protocols to track e-waste from collection to final disposal. It ensures that it is recycled or remanufactured in an environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, e-Stewards certification prohibits the export of e-waste to developing countries where improper recycling practices may pose a risk to human health or the environment.

In summary, e-Stewards certification plays an important role in promoting sustainable e-waste management and positively impacting the environment and society. By supporting e-Stewards certified recyclers, businesses and consumers can contribute to the circular economy, reduce e-waste pollution, and protect vulnerable communities from the negative effects of improper e-waste disposal. E-waste producers have a big responsibility to choose the certified and capable e-waste recyclers to properly manage their electronic devices and e-waste recyclers should seek expert guidance to make sure they follow all the steps required in the certification process and

For companies looking to demonstrate a commitment to ethical e-waste management, achieving E-Stewards certification is not only a sign of environmental stewardship, but also evidence of a commitment to social responsibility and sustainable business practices. MG Environmental Consulting (www.mgenviro.com) consultants are experts in the field of electronic waste certification process. They have a thorough understanding of which certification to choose from based on the business needs and

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