The Economics of eWaste

 

Staff writer - buildingctgreen.com

 

Several recent announcements indicate that electronic component manufacturers are making stronger efforts to be better environmental stewards by producing eco-friendly products. They are also hoping to increase market share by reaching out to the growing number of buy-green consumers. One announcement was the establishment of EPEAT this past July. EPEAT is the green electronics standard administered by the Green Electronics Council and already has more than 300 computers registered. Another indicator is industry leader Hewlett Packard’s recent announcement that it had recycled more than 164 million pounds (74 million kilograms) of hardware and HP print cartridges globally in its 2006 fiscal year -- an increase of 16 percent over the previous year and the equivalent weight of more than 600 jumbo jet airliners.

 

So who’s breaking down, salvaging and reselling the recyclable components of discarded electronics for remanufacturing? Companies like Environmental Office Solutions, Inc. (EOS) in East Hartford, that’s who. The electronics recycling business model works in today’s green economy and is consumer and corporate hip, it’s also booming. Chris Stoddard president of EOS and noted expert in ewaste management comments, “Over the past 10 years, I’ve seen the ink cartridge and cell phone remanufacturing industries grow at a steady rate. EOS collects and supplies these industries with product to meet their demand. What better way to help the environment than to divert spent cartridges and used cell phones from overcrowded landfills? Remanufactures get the product they need. And, we pay companies top dollar for these items, which provide them with an environmentally friendly revenue source. This is a win-win for everyone,” claims Stoddard.

 

The recycling process is simple and easy. The EOS model focuses on developing and implementing customized recycling programs for companies of any size — ranging from large, international corporations to small local businesses. EOS handles the logistics, provides free return shipping, inspects, sorts and classifies each item carefully, then issues payment within thirty days of inspection. EOS also provides collection data so companies can see how their recycling efforts impact the environment — and their bottom line.

 

EOS also offers brand-new or refilled cartridge replacements for less than companies will pay elsewhere and is an industry leading recycling service for inkjet, laser, fax, copier and multi-functional peripheral (all-in-one) cartridges—as well as used cell phones. They recycle name-brand cartridges such as HP, Epson, Canon and Lexmark and cell phones such as Nokia, Nextel, Motorola and Sony. The company’s goal is to help preserve the environment by reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste in our landfills. The company also assists schools and local charities with ewaste recycling fund raisers. EOS is committed to implementing environmentally sound, income-generating recycling solutions for its customers.

 

EOS has a leading role in this green supply chain and as a result will be part of the expected growth in ewaste management in the coming years. Last year, over 236 million toner cartridges were produced worldwide along with over a billion inkjet cartridges. 20 - 25% were expected to be remanufactured, recycled or reused in some way.* And, over 100 million cell phones were expected to be discarded in 2006. Stoddard adds, “In the case of ink cartridge and cell phone recycling, making money AND protecting the environment are not only compatible, but also practical.”

 

Visit www.eosusa.com to learn more, or call 860 291-1900.
Source: The Recycler, November 2006