Palpable Strides in E-Waste Management: GSA says “Only Certified Recyclers – NOW”

While federal e-waste bills continue to be held in committee, I see palpable progress toward President Obama’s executive order published last fall that resulted in the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship . 

The GSA Bulletin FMR B-34 is a mandate that begins to put the National Strategy into action and is immediately applicable. The mandate:

• Encourages the reuse of electronics within Federal government – extending the life of electronic assets is key to sustainable IT
• Facilitates donations to state and local entities – note that in collaboration with the private sector, the FCC is spearheading its Connect2Compete initiative aimed at conquering the digital divide.
• Allows for sale of FUNCTIONAL electronics, providing potential revenue back to the agency
• Prohibits bulk sales of non-functional Federal Electronic Assets, a huge measure in the fight against the dumping of toxic trash
• Requires ultimate disposal by certified recyclers/ refurbishers – critical in providing 3rd party verification of actual activities
• Prohibits landfilling and incineration – note that only e-Stewards certified recyclers warrant absolutely no landfill or incineration ever.   
• Changes reporting requirements, deadlines, and dissemination of data

I’ve created a webinar that talks through the GSA bulletin – take a little time to understand the issues and then drop me a line with your questions and comments.

It’s an explicit goal of the National Strategy that the federal government takes a leadership position, aiming to influence industry through its guidance. Further, the National Strategy calls for an end to the export of electronic waste to countries that don’t have the environmental or worker protection to process electronic waste safely. Complying with the GSA mandate is a great way to start the journey to true Electronics Stewardship.