Urges use of e-Stewards certified recyclers to ensure adherence to the highest standards of e-waste disposal
NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — e-Cycle LLC, the leading wireless buyback and recycling company, is gravely concerned that companies are illegally exporting wireless devices and other electronic equipment destined for recycling. A 2013 United Nations report estimates that approximately 70 percent of the e-waste generated globally is being shipped to China, much of it illegally. e-Cycle is urging all organizations to act responsibly and work only with e-Stewards certified recyclers to ensure that e-waste disposal is handled properly and does not endanger the environment or pose health hazards.
According to the report, Guiyu, a small town in southeastern China, has become a major center for e-waste disposal. Every day, workers dismantle the world's electronic junk using hazardous burning and washing techniques to obtain valuable metals from devices. The report shows that these methods release hydrocarbon ashes into the air, water and soil, contaminating the environment with toxic heavy metals, and jeopardizing the health of the local populations.
"It is appalling that illegal e-waste exportation continues to occur, even though the U.N. has a ban that strictly prohibits it," said Christopher Irion, e-Cycle founder and CEO. "Unfortunately, there is no legislation in the U.S. that prohibits the export of toxic waste to developing countries. That needs to change. But in the meantime, we need every company in the e-waste disposable industry, not only in the U.S. but internationally, to be held accountable for illegal dumping. We urge all companies to work only with e-Stewards certified recyclers to make sure that we are not polluting the environment and poisoning local populations."
Recyclers holding e-Stewards certification are rigorously audited to ensure they adhere to the highest standards for responsible recycling and reuse of electronic equipment. It is the only electronics recycler certification in the world that strictly prohibits the export of toxic e-waste into developing countries, includes industry-specific worker health and safety requirements, and bans the use of child, slave and prison labor.
"The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 70 to 80 percent of electronics recyclers directly or indirectly import to developing countries," Irion said. "I urge all e-waste disposal companies to adhere to the strict regulations set forth by e-Stewards, and stop illegal dumping. It is critical that we all work together to safeguard the environment."
About e-Cycle
e-Cycle helps organizations and individuals take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless phone and tablet recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices, reimbursing businesses and individuals for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry's most rigorous mobile data security measures. Inc. ranked e-Cycle the #4 Fastest Growing Environmental Services Company in the U.S. and Forbes named e-Cycle the #68 Most Promising, Privately-Held Company in America. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards®, R2 and ISO 14001 certified. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.
Contact:
Paulie Anthony
614-397-7490
Email
www.e-Cycle.com