In IT Asset Retirement, there's a brewing battle over what should be the pre-eminent standard for computer refurbishers and recyclers. It's interesting watching a quickly evolving industry trying to police itself so that the leaders can find some way to distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack.
Standards are helpful when there aren't clearly defined regulations or requirements imposed on an industry to operate. In most states, anybody can crush, cut, or shred complex computer equipment and potentially release an amalgam of heavy and potentially toxic metals in their computer recycling business. Compare that to the barber down the street who is required to attend a vocational program and get a permit to allow them to put a pair of scissors next to your head.
In addition, for the states that do regulate the industry, their requirements are inconsistent and often weak. Some stipulate that companies must have an environmental management system. These states don't define the minimum requirements of this EMS - and they don't do any verification of the soundness of these programs.
I still see some IT Asset Retirement firms claim they are "EPA Certified." There is no such thing. The US Environmental Protection Agency does not certify anyone in the electronics recycling industry and they make this explicitly clear on their web site.
In the absence of regulation, standards provide a means by which companies in an industry can be compared. Standards, when independently audited, also provided a verification that companies are, in fact, in conformance with these requirements. Furthermore, when standards reflect the best practices sought after by the most progressive companies in the industry, then they declare that these firms not only have clearly defined business management systems in place, but they also have effective and high quality systems.
In the IT Asset Retirement industry, ISO 14001 is often an entry point for companies who want to distinguish themselves apart from others. It requires companies to establish a sound environmental management system that is in compliance with all regulatory requirements and works to continually improve its environmental impact. This is a generic international standard that helps companies set up beneficial programs, but the standard makes no judgment about what is the most environmentally responsible approach to electronics recycling.
That's why I support the new E-Stewards standard. It requires companies to be ISO 14001 Certified, and it sets a baseline of best management practices particular to this industry. It also requires processors to clearly demonstrate how they meet the prevailing demand from the public and progressive institutions to not export hazardous e-waste to poorer countries, not send computers with sensitive data to prisons, and not landfill electronics. No other standard sets this baseline.
This standard is new and is just beginning to be pilot tested, so don't believe anyone who says they are certified to the E-Steward standard right now. But when it is rolled out by early 2010, then people can finally identify who are the true, independently verified leaders in the industry who we can trust will handle our electronics in a safe and secure manner.
