US EPA endorses implementation process of electronics recycling standards

The recent study report released by the US Environment Protection Agency (US EPA) has ratified the implementation procedure followed by certification programs at electronics recycling facilities.

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The recent study report released by the US Environment Protection Agency (US EPA) has ratified the implementation procedure followed by certification programs at electronics recycling facilities.

The study notes that auditors who implement the certification standards at facilities possess in-depth and thorough knowledge of the standards. The e-Stewards and R2 certification programs have contributed immensely towards improvement of responsible electronics recycling in the country, the report states. The US EPA also notes that efforts must be made to identify opportunities for continued improvement in responsible management of used electronics.

As part of the study, EPA conducted stakeholder interviews and site audits. Upon observation of audit procedures, EPA found that auditors are well qualified and strict implementers of certification standards. It also noted that the certification procedure always allow room for constructive feedback.

The sites that have implemented the certification standards were found to have achieved desired results such as safe data destruction mechanisms, maximized use of reuse and recycling and minimum emission of toxic particles.

The report recommends handful of recommendations aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of implementation of certification standards. It highlights the need for providing additional training and reference materials in select topics. Moreover, certification agencies should ensure that the standards are updated on a regular basis. Also, increasing the audit times will help to conduct more fruitful and thorough audits, it adds.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board.

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