Connect To Recycling: Bringing Transparency to the Marketplace for Electronics Collectors and Recyclers

Destination Sustainability: Greening Illinois Together ConferenceJune 7, 2011

Eve PytelMetropolitan Mayors Caucus

Outline Outline

Project BackgroundAbout the SiteTool KitBrief Tour

Background: Connect to RecyclingBackground: Connect to Recycling

Seed money to establish the Clearinghouse has been provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Matching funds have been provided by Chicago Community Trust, Vintage Tech Recyclers, Creative Recycling and MPC.

Electronic Products Recycling & Reuse Electronic Products Recycling & Reuse Act Unintended ConsequencesAct Unintended Consequences

Market Issues◦Buyer/User Disconnect◦Super Contracts Exceed Manufacturer Goals◦Manufacturers may select recyclers hq’d in other

states based on prior experience. Market Outcomes

◦Contracts are so big that even OEM backed recyclers are hard pressed to serve Super Contracts

◦Loss of work for Illinois Recyclers◦Local gov’t frustrated by lack of ability to dictate

who does their business despite being the face of recycling and waste.

Market DisconnectMarket DisconnectSuper Contracts managed by counties will

need 1.5m lbs to 5m lbs. Manufacturer responsibility and Super

Contract needs are not fungible◦75 have goals under 100,000 lbs; ◦60 have goals over 50,000 lbs;◦Half of the targeted companies have goals

under 22,000 lbs.

Local Government and RecyclersLocal Government and Recyclershave Complimentary Goalshave Complimentary Goals

LG wants to provide electronic recycling to residents

LG wants to give work to local businessesRecyclers want to provide the serviceRecyclers want to work in their local

communities

Solution: Achieve Transparency Solution: Achieve Transparency and Fungibility in Market Placeand Fungibility in Market Place

Clearinghouse Website◦Local govt/Solid Waste Agency market their

collection opportunities◦Recyclers register to use the website◦Once approved by local gov’t information

populates other websites to market collection opportunity

◦Create brand for electronic recycling

Collection Information Collection Information Location, time and date Location description text Type of collection (1xmonth, 2xweek, or

one time only) Estimated lbs and provide historical data Contact information Collection fee as per pound cost Recycler requirements/preferences

(estewards, Iso, etc)

RecyclersRecyclersRecyclers will describe themselves in

standardized industry terms like ISO 9000, ISO 14001, NAID, E-Stewards, R2 MBE/WBE, and will need to complete forms to show that they are compliant with IL Legislation.

Recyclers can market info about themselves to manufacturers as well as their proximity to a collection site to facilitate local recyclers serving their local governments.

Characterize their refurbishing to make sure that manufacturers understand the benefit of working with them in relation to the IL legislation.

Recycler Application ProcessRecycler Application ProcessVetting process will include proof of

registration with ILEPA and application packet that recyclers will need to submit with copies of proof of ISOs, etc.

Application fee of $75 with forms and certification. Fees to cover application review, verify registration with ILEPA, as well as, environmental stewardship, and ISO certifications.

Tour the Draft SiteTour the Draft Site

Tool Box – Brand Electronic Tool Box – Brand Electronic RecyclingRecyclingLogo and tag line achieved through

consensusTool Kit, Flyer, Drop in ArticleSupport/Resources for all stake holders

Logos – also available in blueLogos – also available in blue

FlyerFlyer

Customizable Customizable One Page FlyerOne Page Flyer

Sample Drop In Articles: Sample Drop In Articles: Out with the old, in with the newOut with the old, in with the newEvery few months when a new gizmo hits the market, we run to

the stores to get the newest handheld devices, phones, computers and TVs. But what happens to those obsolete computers, TVs, phones and hand held devices? Unfortunately 90% is being thrown out with the garbage, where it may have devastating environmental impact. Thankfully, electronic recycling options are expanding and that is good for Illinois’s economy.

Electronic recycling is incredibly important because electronics are made of extremely valuable resources such as precious metals, plastics and glass. At the same time certain electronics such as monitors and circuit boards contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and chromium. Lead, mercury and chromium threaten our soil and ultimately undermine water quality.

Through electronic recycling programs, nearly 60% can be reused and the other 40% can be recycled. Please visit X to learn more.

Customizable Articles: Customizable Articles: Electronic Electronic Recycling: It’s Easy to Be Green!Recycling: It’s Easy to Be Green!Electronic Recycling: It’s Easy to Be Green!For many of us, when new electronic gizmos hit the market, we run to buy the latest

handheld device, gaming system, computer or television. But what happens to our old ones? Unfortunately, 90% of out-dated electronics are thrown out with the garbage, where they can have a devastating impact on the environment.

The good news is that some electronics contain valuable resources such as precious metals, plastics and glass, which can be re-used. The bad news is some electronics, including monitors and circuit boards, contain lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium which are toxic and threaten our soil and water quality. Electronic recycling programs carefully separate the good from the bad and bundle them for destruction or re-use.

The Village of ________________(insert here) is pleased to announce its new electronic recycling program. Now, it is easy for residents to be green!

Event Information:DateAddressLocationSpecial information regarding entranceResidents are welcome to drop off any of these items:Thank you for doing your part to dispose of old electronics properly. Please visit

___________(insert here) to learn more or call ______________(insert here) with questions.

Next StepsNext StepsWrap up site workContinue IRA Task ForceConcerted effort to raise awareness prior

to ban.

Thank YouThank You◦Senator Garret ◦Marta Keane, Mike Mitchell, Pete Adrian, Walter

Willis, Melville Nickerson, and Joe Schacter◦Chris Newman and Sharon Lowry Martin◦Vintage Tech, Creative Recycling, and MPC. ◦Electronic Recycling Task Force