ELECTRONICS RECYCLING, AN EMERGING INDUSTRY - A CASE STUDY OF HOW ONERECYCLER TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE HIGHESTOPERATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

摘要

Electronics in landfills are becoming a major source ofpotential lead and heavy metal contamination in theenvironment. A lack of awareness and apathy on the part ofboth the individual and business is one of the largestcontributing factors. Education of the general public on thedangers of discarded electronics and implementation ofgood environmental standards and procedures by electronicsrecyclers are needed to address this growing problem.Educational materials and programs, IS0 Certification, EHSauditing, and an Environmental Pledge are some of the waysthat Recycle America Alliance took the initiative tomaintain the highest standards of environmenta1 andoperational quality. The electronics recycling industry isstill emerging and its maturity and credibility will depend onevery recycler realizing that they must do their part tomaintain the highest of standards to protect the environment.