Staples, ERI Help Firms Reduce E-Waste

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, has partnered with Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) to launch a service to make it easier for businesses to recycle old electronics.

Staples Advantage says its Technology Recycling Service is a first of its kind in the industry.

The global volume of e-waste will likely more than double by 2016, reaching 93.5 million tons compared to 41.5 million tons in 2011, according to the EPA.

The program allows businesses to recycle equipment — from cell phones and keyboards to telecom equipment and multi-function devices — via three steps:

1. Order recycling boxes online at www.StaplesAdvantage.com.
2. Fill boxes with electronics and ship back to Staples using a provided return label.
3. Receive a certificate of recycling from Staples that their electronics have been properly recycled and data safely removed. The certificate is accredited by the e-Stewards Initiative.

Benefits include:

• Guaranteed data destruction by ERI.
• Environmental compliance and certifications.
• Responsible recycling of all types of electronic equipment.
• Compliance with state e-waste programs by ERI.
• Certificate of recycling.

Staples Advantage will also integrate this offering into its future Managed Print Services contracts, providing a way for companies to recycle devices no longer needed after a consolidation effort.

The cost for this service will range from $15 to $500 depending on the size of the box ordered.

Last year, Staples launched an online ink and toner recycling program, an expansion of the existing in-store program.