Hosting an electronic waste recycling day for Postal Service employees is as simple as following the seven-step instructions set forth below. Before initiating such an event, there are two prerequisites for success:
Step 1: Obtain facility management commitment.
Step 2: Identify a reputable e-recycler for the free e-cycle collection event. The local recycler must agree in writing to do the following:
n Provide service at no cost to USPS.
n Provide guidance to employees as to permissible and impermissible e-waste that is eligible to recycle.
n Not to impact USPS mail processing operations.
n Share data on amount recycled.
n Comply with R2 or e-Steward certifications programs:
i. A list of R2 certified recyclers can be found at the R2 Solutions website: http://www.r2solutions.org/
ii. A list of e-Steward certified recyclers can be found at the e-Stewards website: http://e-stewards.org/
Once you have accomplished the first two steps, there are only five more tasks to complete for a successful hosting of an e-waste recycling event:
Step 3: Set a date and time for the e-cycling event. Remember you can hold this event after Earth Day if it is more convenient for your employees and USPS operations.
Step 4: Post a notice of the e-cycling event that is mutually acceptable to the facility manager and the e-waste recycler. Sample notices are available on the Office of Sustainability Earth Day website.
Step 5: Hold the e-cycling event. Be sure a sufficient number of staff is available to provide guidance on electronic equipment recycling procedures, keeping order among those waiting in line, coordinating storage of the recyclables, and ensuring adequate parking.
Step 6: Ensure the e-cycler has taken everything recyclable from your site.
Step 7: Request e-cycler to provide a list of the type (e.g., computers, monitors, TVs, etc.) and amount of e-waste collected. Share the results with the USPS Office of Sustainability by emailing sustainability@usps.gov.
Posters, notices, and questions and answers on hosting an e-waste recycling event are available at the Office of Sustainability website at http://blue.usps.gov/sustainability/earthday.htm.