Staples Advantage Offers Secure IT Device Recycling Program
By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer
Now businesses can conveniently recycle old electronics through newly-launched Technology Recycling Service, provided by Staples business division, Staples Advantage, in partnership with Electronic Recycler International, Inc. (ERI). The program allows for large quantities of electronics to be disposed of properly, reducing the amount of e-waste exposed in the environment.
Old electronics including POS systems, computer monitors, receipt printers, tablets, cameras, and other data-filled IT devices will be accepted by Staples Advantage. Business clients of Staples will then receive a Certification of Recycling, qualified by the e-Stewards Initiative, a program through the Basel Action Network, a non-profit organization committed to sustainable e-waste recycling.
Nearly $5 billion in the U.S is credited to recycling companies appropriately disposing end-of-life hardware devices. According to the International Data Corporation, over 30 percent of the 3.5 million tons of electronics in the U.S. was repurposed back into new products in 2010.
ERI, largest privately held electronics recycler in North America, who also works with Best Buy, Dell, HP, and Samsung, follows a strategic plan in the recycling process of simple electronics to advanced technologies. Their goal is to keep costs low for Staples while providing the most environmentally safe and responsible electronics recycling service. After evaluating and removing any useful basic objects from electronics, such as screens, wi-fi cards, LCD’s, the hardware is further broken down into elements for recycling, including Steel, aluminum, plastic, copper, and batteries—up to 44 percent of beverage cans consists of recycled aluminum. ERI’s 900 horsepower shredders are designed to break down over 15,000 pounds of electronic waste per hour—converting one object into many different materials that are sent to a smelter for further use.
Data destruction of all business electronics is the most crucial area of focus for ERI—all data is eliminated in various secure fashions, ensuring security and brand protection to business clients of Staples. ERI destroys data through software based destruction, set by the standards of the U.S. Department of Defense and National Institute of Standards and Technology. Through physical destruction, data is destroyed by ERI shredders—a 100 percent guarantee of data removal. ERI sends video verification and certifications to clients, proving their secure information has been handled legally and ethically.
ERI uses a “point to point” tracking system to confirm that e-waste does not transfer to other businesses, landfills, and is not illegally sent to other nations. “Our focus on brand protection and reducing the liability for our clients is second to none. At ERI, we strive to provide the maximum assurance that your confidential or proprietary information is protected while achieving and exceeding the highest levels of responsible recycling standards available within the industry.”
Staples Advantage is offering the service to business clients in conjunction with its Managed Print Services, allowing for businesses to have a convenient means of continuing to recycle more devices in the future, all managed at one site. “In 2007, we were the first retailer to offer recycling at our retail stores. Now we’re the first to provide a way for our corporate customers to easily and responsibly recycle old electronics. From provisioning new equipment, then providing services to manage it and now an easy way to handle end of life recycling, we’re offering a true lifecycle approach to technology management,” said Al Zoldos, Vice President of Sales, Staples Technology Solutions.