The Philadelphia electronics recycling operation owned by eForce Compliance has received e-Stewards certification, a standard developed by the Basel Action Network to encourage best practices in the industry. It is the first business in Philadelphia to reach the standard, according to BAN.
While other standards exist, including one promoted by the electronics industry, the e-Stewards standard is considered to be more rigorous. It requires "downstream" responsibility for electronics components and prohibits the export of hazardous electronics waste to developing countries. It also sets other environmental, health, safety and data security standards.
"The e-Stewards initiative defines and promotes responsible electronics recycling and reuse worldwide by creating principled and practical standards that will among other things, prevent toxic materials from being deposited in solid waste landfills, sent to prison labor operations or exported to developing countries," said Jim Puckett, BAN executive director, in a news release.