Electronics Manufacturers, Retailers Join EPA's Challenge for Safe Management of Used Electronics

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched its Sustainable Materials Management (SMM ) Electronics Challenge, an initiative to make protective electronics refurbishing and recycling practices the industry standard.  

Making the official announcement was EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response Lisa Feldt. She was joined by representatives from Best Buy, Staples, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp and Sprint and Staples. The announcement was made at Vintage Tech Recyclers, a certified electronics recycling facility in Romeoville, Ill.

In a statement, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says, “Already, the United States generates almost 2.5 million tons of electronic waste per year – and that number will only grow. Used electronics have materials in them that can be recovered and recycled, reducing the economic costs and environmental impacts of securing and processing new materials for new products.”  

“The SMM Electronics Challenge will help us ensure that we are doing all we can to repurpose or safely dispose of the cell phones, computers and other devices we use every day – all while helping to build a robust market for electronics recycling in the United States,” Jackson adds.

By participating in the SMM Electronics Challenge, companies in the electronics industry are committing to send 100 percent of the used electronics that they collect to third-party certified refurbishers and recyclers and to increase the amount of used electronics they collect. Through this challenge, EPA is providing a transparent and measurable way for electronic companies to commit to safe and environmentally protective practices for the refurbishment and recycling of used electronics, and publically show progress toward recycling goals.  

In order to be certified, recyclers must demonstrate to an accredited, independent auditor that they meet specific standards to safely recycle and manage used electronics.