What certification programs are available for electronics recyclers?

There are several certification programs for recyclers. Some programs are specific to electronics; others provide more general environmental assurances. These include: • Institute of Scrap Recycling Industry’s (ISRI) Recycling Industry Operating Standards (RIOS) certification • International Association of Electronic Recyclers (IAER) certification and • International Organization for Standards (ISO), ISO 14001 certification. A recycler may voluntarily achieve any of these certifications. Please note, however, that if an electronics recycler does not have one of these certifications, it does not necessarily mean that they do not recycle electronics in a safe and environmentally-sound way. Certification is a rigorous and sometimes expensive process that not all companies will choose to pursue. In addition, if a recycler is certified, you still should ask questions about the recycler’s processes and services to make an informed decision about whether your electronic equipment will be ...  more

There are several certification programs for recyclers. Some programs are specific to electronics; others provide more general environmental assurances. These include: • Institute of Scrap Recycling Industry’s (ISRI) Recycling Industry Operating Standards (RIOS) certification Exit EPA • International Association of Electronic Recyclers (IAER) certification Exit EPA and • International Organization for Standards (ISO), ISO 14001 certification.Exit EPA A recycler may voluntarily achieve any of these certifications. Please note, however, that if an electronics recycler does not have one of these certifications, it does not necessarily mean that they do not recycle electronics in a safe and environmentally-sound way. Certification is a rigorous and sometimes expensive process that not all companies will choose to pursue.  more