Page 170 -

C
R
C h a p t e r 7 : h a p t e r 7 : R e c y c l i n g e c y c l i n g 141 141

remanufacturing, demanufacturing, material recovery (physical separation to
capture plastics, metals, glass, and so on), material processing (shredding and
grinding), and donation (school systems, nonprofit organizations, and so on).
• Can the electronics recycler provide the names and/or locations of the downstream
businesses to which it sends equipment or components?
• Does the recycler export equipment outside the U.S.?
• Does the electronics recycler audit its end-markets either via audit, questionnaire, or
other measures?
• Does the electronics recycler send materials for disposal in landfills or for
incineration?
• Can the electronics recycler supply you with documentation or certification of final
disposition?
• Does the electronics recycler maintain appropriate insurance/assurance? Types of
insurance/assurance may include general liability insurance, environmental
liability, insurance, and financial assurance (for example, bonding).
• Will the electronics recycler allow you to verify this information through an onsite
evaluation?

The EPA has more information about managing electronics recycling and refurbishment PART III
via Link 7-8. Although the site is geared for governmental agencies, your organization
would certainly benefit from the information it provides.

Certifications
You should also take a potential recycler’s industry certifications into consideration.
Certifications include the following:
• Institute of Scrap Recycling Industry’s (ISRI) Recycling Industry Operating
Standards (RIOS) certification
• International Association of Electronic Recyclers (IAER) certification
• International Organization for Standards (ISO) ISO 14001 certification
Certification achievement is totally voluntary, but it is a good sign of the recycler’s
commitment to quality service. On the other hand, if a recycler doesn’t have any of these
certifications, it doesn’t mean they won’t provide quality service. However, because it takes
a lot of work to earn these certifications, you can almost be guaranteed that the recycler
disposes of materials in an appropriate manner.

Hard Drive Recycling
You’ve probably spent a lot of time and money ensuring that your network is secure. You
have firewalls, antivirus software, and strong password use—among other measures—all in
place to ensure that no one gets access to your company and its confidential information.
But that sensitive information you’ve tried so hard to protect can be up for grabs once your
computers leave your company, destined to be recycled or repurposed.