[Note: The following is a non-sponsored guest post by Wes Muir, Director of Communications for Waste Management. This is the first in a series of regular articles from Mr. Muir about the issues, challenges and opportunities in modern waste management. We are happy to have him on board. -TH ]

In an age where we switch from iPod to iPad nearly as frequently as we change our socks, you can imagine the amount of electronic waste that amasses when customers abandon their old products for the next big thing. To accommodate this unending cycle, governments, manufacturers, recyclers and non-governmental organizations have created electronics recycling programs across the country for the convenient and safe disposal of these items, such as cell phones, computers and televisions. Such items can include materials that can potentially harm the environment if improperly disposed – lead, mercury, and cadmium – while also containing valuable materials that can be reclaimed.

Among the many different types of materials flowing through the nation’s waste stream, consumer electronics are certainly the fastest growing – though it should be noted that the U.S. EPA says while these products only account for about two percent of our total municipal waste stream they are the fastest growing commodity of the waste stream.

The EPA continues to encourage reuse and recycling of electronics, to help divert these materials from landfills. In doing so, it has also recognized the need for guidelines for proper, safe disposal of these items. This became a particularly urgent need over the past few years, as media and consumers learned of e-cycling practices in developing countries.

To aid and monitor electronics recyclers, the EPA facilitated  the development of the Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2), a set of standards to help “protect public health and the environment, improve worker safety practices, and reduce potential exposures.” Those involved in the recycling of electronics can earn R2 certification to illustrate a commitment to manufacturers and consumers alike that they are willing to employ practices to reduce the potential environmental impact associated with electronics disposal.

Earlier this year, WM Recycle America announced the implementation of the R2 standards at its North American facilities. The company’s Minneapolis e-cycling plant was even one of the first to earn R2 certification. Since then, other recyclers have also begun to bring these standards into their own practices as well. The National Accreditation Board for Certifying Bodies (ANAB) is responsible for accrediting groups that can then certify these facilities. For a full list of accredited certifying bodies, which, in turn, list R2 certified recyclers on their own sites, visit www.anab.org.

Electronics manufacturers can also play a role in assuming responsibility for the end-of-life maintenance of its key products. In fact, companies including LG Electronics have already created e-cycling take back programs and held drives to collect old electronics. Earth911 provides a comprehensive list of manufacturer-sponsored programs. Unless these programs are supported by governments, manufacturers, recyclers and non-governmental organizations, the incentive for consumers and businesses to recycle their e-waste remains low.

Clearly there are numerous parties here that must work in tandem to make sure electronics are handled and disposed of safely. E-waste is one of the fastest growing commodities in the waste stream. It’s our collective responsibility to recycle these products properly, so that we can continue to enjoy them – and our environment – for years to come.

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