In addition, we have created programs designed for schools, churches, charities and other non-profit organizations. As an example, we will place printer cartridge collection units and posters at schools. The children at the schools go home and tell their parents about the recycling program. When the parents replace their used printer cartridges, they have their children bring in the used cartridges instead of throwing the cartridges into the trash. When the box is filled, it comes back to us where it is itemized and the sender is paid.
With all of our programs, there is a financial payout to each organization based upon the value of the products that they collect.
Bill: It seems like the types of products that you collect and recycle at EOS are fairly small in size. Do they really make much of a difference in impact on reducing waste going into landfills?
Chris: That’s really a good question. Although the individual products are small, there are so many millions consumed every month in the country that it makes a big difference. We keep track of the materials that we collect and recycle, and currently we are averaging over 290,000 cubic feet per month that just our company is keeping out of landfills. That’s over 800 tons per month, over twenty million pounds per year. You know, Bill, I think it’s also important to note that since it can take literally decades for just one cartridge or cell phone to decompose, responsible recycling today is essential for the environmental wellbeing of tomorrow’s generation.
Bill: There has been more momentum toward being friendly to the environment here in America. Are you finding that businesses are becoming more aware of their impact and are interested in being part of the solution?
Chris: Yes, it’s been a pretty big shift. When we started the company, we were truly trying to persuade people to not throw their printer cartridges into the garbage. As we’ve progressed, we’ve noticed businesses and organizations of all sizes are becoming more environmentally conscious. In addition, we can turn their waste into a substantial revenue stream with our seamless recycling program.
We are also seeing more regulations mandating recycling and elimination of certain types of material from landfills here in the United States. The states where we have operations, Connecticut and California, are pretty progressive in trying to reduce landfill waste.
Bill: Are there any certifications or other indicators that a recycling company is a responsible leader in the industry?
Chris: Absolutely. I’d look for specific certifications as one of the things that are really important in separating the companies that are committed to serious recycling. Obviously, the length of time in business, industry experience, leadership and credentials such as R2 and ISO 14001 are key indicators that your product will be recycled in a responsible manner.
The R2 standard, Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers, establishes a hierarchy for the safe and responsible handling of electronic waste through reuse and resource recovery. ISO 14001 is an international specification that defines a set of environmental management systems. The purpose of this standard is to help organizations to protect the environment, to prevent pollution, and to improve their environmental performance. In addition, EOS has been certified for OHSAS 18001, which is an international specification for occupational health and safety management system.
Our company is certified to R2:2013, which is the current version of the standard and encompasses ISO 14001 and OHSAS 1800. We have also adapted a zero landfill initiative whereby no materials processed through our facilities nor any waste generated in our facilities ends up in a landfill.
I would encourage anyone looking to partner with a responsible recycling company to look for these certifications, particularly the R2 and ISO 14001, as they indicate a company that takes recycling seriously and has deployed the resources and capital to ensure they are following the best recycling practices to protect the environment and properly recycle.
Bill: Chris, thanks for sharing your story with our readers. I am sure there are many people that never realized the impact on landfills caused by throwing away common office consumable products. I was also impressed that not only can businesses and charitable organizations reduce material going into landfills, but can also get a financial benefit for doing so. If someone wants to find out more, how can they get in contact with Environmental Office Solutions?
Chris: Bill, thanks for giving me the opportunity to help get our message out. The best way to find more information is to visit our website, http://www.eosusa.com, or give us a call at (888) 367-3076.
