Bloomberg BusinessWeek: “The Complex Business of Recycling E-Waste.”

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Apr 3rd, 2014

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From BloombergBusinessWeek’s CEO Tech Guide to Sustainable Business Practices comes this very informative article on, “The Complex Business of Recycling E-Waste.”

Here are four important excerpts:

Americans get rid of 47.4 million computers, 27.2 million televisions, and 141 million mobile devices annually, according to the latest figures from the Environmental Protection Agency. Only a quarter of all those devices are collected for recycling.

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Many states have passed laws that dictate how to dispose of electronics. Most prohibit dumping them in landfills and require that they be recycled. California’s laws, for example, are among the most stringent. Anyone buying a monitor in the state pays a recycling fee that funds e-waste disposal.

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Choosing a recycler isn’t as easy as it may seem. There are many options, such as free electronics collection sites, haulers that send trucks to pick up computers, and manufacturer take-back programs. But their environmental rigor varies. Horror stories of U.S. electronics shipped to developing nations and improperly stripped of valuable metals are common.

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One way to find a responsible recycler is to check whether it is certified. The EPA endorses two standards programs, e-Stewards and R2, both of which require regular independent audits of participating recyclers to ensure they follow good practices. But there is some debate about the definition of good practices. E-Stewards prohibits recyclers from exporting electronics for processing, for example, while R2 allows it as long those facilities meet certain standards. “You can have a poor recycler in the U.S. just as easily as a really good recycler in China,” says Corey Dehmey, assistant to the executive director at R2 Solutions, the nonprofit that oversees the R2 standard.

Read the full article here: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-01-08/the-complex-business-of-recycling-e-waste

  • Christopher Madeira

    Christopher Madeira

    Director of Marketing

    ITAD Communications & Strategy Expert

    Snapshot / Quick Stats

    • 15+ years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and communications
    • Specialized in IT asset disposition (ITAD) messaging for compliance-driven industries
    • Former leadership roles at The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and other respected publishers
    • Key focus areas: Market Trends, Client Education, ITAD Compliance Messaging, Thought Leadership, SEO-Driven Strategy

    Areas of Specialization

    • Market Trends & Competitive Analysis – Tracks shifts in ITAD, resale, and sustainability markets to shape strategy and keep Securis ahead of industry developments.
    • ITAD Compliance & Security Messaging – Crafts clear narratives that translate regulatory and data security requirements into approachable guidance for IT leaders.
    • Client & Stakeholder Education – Builds educational resources and thought leadership content that empower clients to make informed ITAD decisions with confidence.

    Professional Narrative (Career Journey)

    Christopher Madeira is the Director of Marketing at Securis, where he shapes how the company communicates its mission of Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable IT Asset Disposition to regulated industries, government agencies, and enterprise clients. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how to bridge technical ITAD processes with clear, client-centered storytelling.

    Before joining Securis, Christopher served in senior marketing roles across publishing and education organizations, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and Congressional Quarterly. These positions gave him deep expertise in shaping brand positioning, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering content that informs and engages decision-makers.

    At Securis, Christopher drives marketing strategies that not only build awareness but also educate IT leaders on data security, compliance, and sustainability best practices. His work ensures that Securis remains a trusted voice in the ITAD industry, aligning brand authority with the company’s core differentiators: Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable services.

    Quote

    “Clear communication makes complex ITAD issues approachable for IT leaders.”

    Thought Leadership & Recognition

    Christopher is the author of numerous Securis blog articles on compliance, sustainability, and ITAD strategy. He has also developed content campaigns that help IT decision-makers understand the evolving landscape of secure data destruction, ESG reporting, and value recovery.

    Personal 

    A strategist at heart, Christopher is passionate about helping organizations cut through the noise and understand the real risks — and opportunities — in ITAD. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring D.C.’s history, traveling,  connecting with his community, and aviation photography. 

    Trust & Transparency

    Christopher ensures that every piece of Securis’ external communication is not only accurate but also aligned with the certifications and compliance standards that define the company’s reputation. His commitment to transparency reinforces Securis’ standing as a trusted partner for IT asset disposition.