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EPA and GSA Recognize Surplus Exchange for Electronics Recycling Certification in Kansas City

Release Date: 01/09/2012
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, (913) 551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov

Environmental News

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

(Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 9, 2012) - Surplus Exchange of Kansas City, Mo., will be recognized by EPA and the General Services Administration (GSA) this week for achieving certification to the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment Program. Surplus Exchange is the first recycling facility in Missouri to attain this prestigious certification.

This event is part of the Obama Administration’s “National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship,” which is a strategy for responsible design, purchasing, management and recycling that promotes sound electronics recycling. Electronic waste from old cell phones, computers and other devices often contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

A tour of the Surplus Exchange facility, at 518 Santa Fe, in Kansas City, Mo., will be held for the news media and public from 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on Friday, January 13. A news conference will follow at 10:50 a.m. at the same location.

WHAT: Recognition of Surplus Exchange for e-Stewards Electronics Recycling Certification

WHEN: 10:50 a.m., January 13, 2012 (Tour of the facility will begin at 10:30 a.m.)

WHERE: 518 Santa Fe, Kansas City, Mo. 64105

WHO: EPA Region 7 Regional Administrator Karl Brooks, GSA Regional Administrator Jason Klumb, and Surplus Exchange Deputy Director Bob Akers

As a certified e-Steward recycler, Surplus Exchange operates its facility in accordance with the most stringent certification standards in the electronics recycling industry. Surplus Exchange was subject to extensive and rigorous audits conducted by an accredited certifying body to ensure compliance with the e-Stewards Standard. The facility processes nearly 2.2 million pounds of electronics for reuse and recycling annually.

Every year, Americans generate almost 2.5 million tons of used electronics, which are made from valuable resources such as precious metals and rare earth materials, as well as plastic and glass. From computers and cell phones, to portable communication and music devices, the United States will continue to be a global leader in the designing and development of new and improved electronic technologies. The responsible management of electronics provides an opportunity to create economic development and jobs through the development of a strong domestic electronics recycling market while protecting valuable natural resources.

Since 2008, EPA Region 7 has recycled 2,944 pounds of spent batteries and 56,163 pounds of old computers, computer monitors, printers, and other electric/electronic equipment.

As the government’s purchasing and disposal arm, GSA is working to ensure that all electronics used by the federal government meet green electronics standards and are reused or recycled properly.

EPA and GSA seek to encourage other companies to use certified recyclers to help grow the domestic recycling market, create green jobs and educate consumers.