David Betts To Step Down from EPSC

David Betts has announced that he will step down as president and CEO of Electronics Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC) in June of this year. Betts has been president of the industry-led, nonprofit organization that works to design, promote and implement sustainable solutions for the recycling of end-of-life electronics since it was founded in 2003.

EPSC represents 22 of the leading consumer electronics and information technology manufacturers. “When EPSC began, we wanted to see programs that worked at the provincial level, but that had common elements that helped to integrate the programs across the country,” Betts says. “We also wanted to ensure that there were strict guidelines and standards in place to ensure that electronics were processed and recycled in a safe and environmentally sound manner. With industry-led programs about to begin in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and the implementation of our Recycling Vendor Qualification Program (RVQP) that assesses and qualifies the companies that recycle electronic products, we are seeing tangible results that will protect our environment, and the people who work in the recycling industry.” He adds, “I am confident that EPSC and its member companies will continue to see effective provincial programs established across the country.”

Garry Travers, with IBM Canada Ltd. and chair of the EPSC board, appreciates Brett’s role in shaping the organization. “We have benefited from David Betts’ strong leadership to establish EPSC and to see electronics recycling become a reality in Canada. As a result, Canada has set a very high standard and has developed an international reputation for its approach to effective, environmentally sound electronics recycling.”

Travers adds, “Over the next few months, we will take the opportunity to assess the needs and requirements for EPSC as an organization that is now four years old. With several provincial programs established or in development and our RVQP standards in place, we can take time over the next few months to review and assess our current leadership and organizational requirements. We look forward to the next phase of EPSC, and to finding a leader to continue setting the highest standard in environmentally responsible stewardship.”

EPSC is an industry-led organization of leading Canadian electronics manufacturers that are working to design, promote and implement sustainable solutions for the recycling of end-of-life electronics. This nonprofit organization was founded in 2003 by Electro-Federation Canada, the Information Technology Association of Canada and leading consumer electronics and information technology manufacturers.