Reducing e-waste through device renewal
By recognizing that renewal and reuse is the highest form of recycling, eRecyclingCorps is committed to reducing the growing issue of wireless device e-waste.
While recycling and reuse has doubled over the last three years, only 10% of wireless devices are currently being recycled. Based on EPA estimates, over a billion unused cell phones have accumulated in U.S. households. And every year, another 130 million phones are replaced, further compounding this problem.
eRecyclingCorps offers a comprehensive solution to this growing issue, by capturing these devices in large quantities and renewing them for reuse, especially in developing countries where they are needed most. By doing so, we are accelerating access to affordable, life-changing wireless technology to people around the world. The EPA estimates that for every one million devices we recapture, we could deliver power savings equivalent to the electricity used by 185 households yearly.
eRecyclingCorps is committed to meeting or exceeding compliance with all regulatory policies, including:
- due diligence on downstream recyclers and processors
- clearing/destroying personal data
- sending materials only to facilities licensed to receive them
- only exporting to countries where it is legal
When wireless devices cannot be renewed and must be recycled, we strictly adhere to a zero landfill policy, ensuring e-waste does not enter landfills.
The lack of progress in wireless device recycling is receiving increased regulatory attention. Twenty-three states and New York City have introduced e-waste legislation since 2007. eRecyclingCorps is committed to advocating policy changes and working with policy makers to encourage and enable device renewal or ensure responsible recycling.