Wells Fargo Joins BAN’s E-Stewards Initiative

The financial institution Wells Fargo & Co. has joined a group of companies that are committed to only using electronics recyclers that meet top standards developed by the Basel Action Network. The group calls itself e-Stewards Enterprises.

As a member of the group, Wells Fargo says that it will only deal with electronics recyclers that certify the following: they will not export hazardous scrap to developing countries; they will not dump material in landfills or incinerators; and companies will not use prison labor. The initiative also calls for strict protection and destruction of customer’s private data and occupational health created by the Basel Action Network.

“The e-Stewards Enterprise program makes it easy for us to demonstrate that our electronic waste management standards are responsible and align with best practices,” says Mary Wenzel, Wells Fargo’s director of Environmental Affairs. “By using e-Stewards Recyclers, we know that our old computers and other electronics aren't going to be disposed of in a way that harms people or the environment and that, when possible, electronic components are recycled and reused.”

To learn more about the e-Stewards program, visit http://e-stewards.org/