The 4th Bin, NYC’s e-waste recycler, has been awarded official e-Stewards Certification, becoming the first e-waste recycler in the city to hold this level of certification, according to the company.
“Simply finding a recycler to take your old electronics does not protect against harm to the environment or to vulnerable societies. Only Certified e-Stewards Recyclers such as 4th Bin have demonstrated best practices for managing electronic waste in a way that will protect their customers and citizens around the globe,” said Jim Puckett, BAN’s executive director. “As a Certified e-Stewards Recycler, 4th Bin ensures New York City businesses and residents that their old electronics will be recycled responsibly.”
The Basel Action Network (BAN), the creators of the e-Stewards standard and certification program, provides constant oversight on all levels of the program ranging from recyclers, auditor training, certification, and accreditation bodies, to ensure on-going integrity of the certifications. e-Stewards Certification enables individuals and organizations who dispose of their old electronic equipment to easily identify recyclers that adhere to the highest standard of environmental responsibility and employee protection. The certification is open to electronic recyclers, refurbishes, and processors in all developed countries.
“Our customers not only expect but demand the highest standards when it comes to responsible electronics recycling,” said Michael Deutsch, co-founder and CEO of the 4th Bin. “In becoming Certified e-Steward Recyclers, the 4th Bin is demonstrating that our ethical position in the industry is more than just words and fluff. We are willing to take action. And there’s really no better way to do just that than to achieve the industry’s highest level of certification.”
All e-Stewards Certified recyclers agree to follow the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment—guidelines specifically written for the e-waste recycling industry.
The e-waste standard ensures that:
• Is “All-In-One” – encompasses a certified ISO 14001 environmental management system and R2 (Responsible Recycling) Practices.
• Prohibits all toxic waste from being disposed of in solid waste landfills and incinerators.
• Requires full compliance with existing international hazardous waste treaties for exports and imports of electronics, and specifically prohibits the export of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries.
• Prohibits the use of prison labor in the recycling of toxic electronics, which often have sensitive data embedded.
• Requires extensive baseline protections for and monitoring of recycling workers in every country, including developed nations where toxic exposures are routinely taking place.
• Is written for international use.
“As NYC’s leading electronics recycler, we take our commitment to both ethical recycling and our community seriously,” added John Kirsch, Co-founder and senior vice president of business development at the 4th Bin. “In becoming the city’s only Certified e-Stewards Recycler, we are determined to set the bar high, encouraging others to strive for the ultimate level of environmentally responsible behavior.”
