Understanding The e-Stewards Certification Program by Basel Action Network (BAN)
The Globally Responsible Way To Recycle Your Electronics
By Taylor Gelsinger, July 11, 2012
With the growing problem of toxic e-waste, the e-Stewards certification program is working to prevent the exportation of electronic waste to developing countries. Originally launched by the Basel Action Network (BAN) in 2003 as the e-Stewards Pledge Program, the e-Stewards certification has developed into the most demanding certification to protect human health and the global environment. In 2006 BAN, dedicated to addressing toxic waste disposal, halted progress on the Pledge Program to support the U.S. EPA-funded “Responsible Recycling” (R2) program. R2 was created as a voluntary e-recycling standard for the United States. However, BAN withdrew support after the R2 draft was set to “knowingly allow the violation of laws in importing countries, as well as allow toxic substances in solid waste disposal facilities.”
After the withdrawal in 2008, BAN continued development of a “truly rigorous, internationally compliant certification program that would assure full conformance to a comprehensive suite of e-recycling best practices,” the e-Stewards Certification. Today, e-Stewards certified e-recyclers are located in the United States, Canada, and England. Across the United States, business and individuals alike have committed to using e-Stewards Recyclers for their electronic wastes.
Compliant with international environmental management and waste trade rules, the certification sets industry-specific performance requirements. Some of the requirements of the e-Stewards certification include: meeting ISO 14001 requirements in full, observing SA 8000, complying with existing laws, accountability for entire downstream recycling chain, safe on-site handling, prohibiting use of child and prison labor, collection and reporting of data, and legitimate refurbishment of functional equipment.
To view a full list of e-Steward standards, find a certified recycler near you, become e-Steward certified, or find more information on the e-waste crisis, visit http://e-stewards.org/.
This blog post was written by Taylor Gelsinger, a member of the Green Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. Contact for more info: taylor.gelsinger@duke.edu
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