Enterprise technology lifecycle services built around security, compliance, sustainability and value recovery.
Lecanto, FL – Technology Conservation Group, Inc. (https://tcglifecyclesolutions.com) is excited to learn of Steve Craig’s appointment by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) to the R2 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and subsequent appointment to the R2 Consensus Body. SERI administers the Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard and Certification program for electronics recycling. The R2 TAC is responsible for developing revisions to the R2 Standard and the Consensus Body, which is a subset of the TAC, then has the authority to approve these revisions for recommendation to the SERI Board of Directors.
The members of the R2 Consensus Body were selected by the SERI Board of Directors based on factors such as area of expertise, international representation (where possible), and level of involvement in TAC discussions to date. The Consensus Body is made up of a small number of representatives from the three main stakeholder groups: electronics recyclers, upstream customers of electronics recyclers, and regulatory agencies/public interest groups.
Steve says, “I’m excited to continue working with R2 and the TAC to help strengthen what I believe to be the most complete standard for electronics recycling. The work we have done so far has been phenomenal and I know we’ll continue doing great work for our entire term.”
Adds John Lingelbach, executive director of SERI, “we are fortunate to have Steve actively involved as the R2 TAC and Consensus Body work to improve the R2 Standard. His deep knowledge of environmental, health, and safety matters relating to electronics recycling will be a great help in developing strong revisions to the Standard.”
For more information on R2, SERI, the TAC, and the process for revising and updating the R2 Standard, visit https://sustainableelectronics.org
About Technology Conservation Group
TCG is an R2 Certified IT Asset Disposition and Electronics Recycling service provider for businesses seeking a secure and responsible partner for managing end-of-life or off-network electronics. With 20 years of experience managing electronics assets, TCG’s core competencies involve maximizing ROI on technology investments, ensuring complete data security and promoting environmental sustainability. Servicing all of North America, TCG is headquartered in Lecanto, FL and has processing facilities in Portland, OR, Louisville, KY, Guadalajara and Monterrey Mexico. Let TCG customize a service plan to meet your business’ needs.
Customers often ask what can they do to get the most out of their electronic equipment and ultimately earn more money back from TCG. We put together these five tips to help everyone receive the greatest return on investment from both sides.
Too often we receive assets and scrap mixed together in a Gaylord which increases the likelihood of the assets being damaged – and thus decreasing potential resale value. We recommend separating material into two types; Assets and Scrap.
Assets- Typically newer products (usually four years old or less) in working or mostly working condition with most of its original parts. Highest chance for remarket value.
Scrap- Typically older products, non-working, obsolete, or broken beyond repair. Low chance for remarket value but may have salvageable parts.
TCG follows a hierarchy of reuse, recycle, and energy recovery. Higher yields and higher revenue share depend on the products we receive, so the better quality the material, the better quality your return will be.
Avoid damage to assets in-transit by following these best practices:
For Secure Wiping or Destruction of loose hard drives, we can provide secure bins with locks to ensure data security prior to our data wiping procedures.
For regulated materials such as batteries and mercury containing devices, contact your representative for specific packaging instructions.
TCG is not authorized or equipped to handle hazardous waste. When hazardous materials are received, we are required to cease processing the entire shipment and follow strict protocols which often involve additional fees and shipping the material back to the sender.
-unknown liquids
-epoxy
-undrained refrigerant containing devices
-spray cans
-pressurized containers
If there is material in question it is best to contact your representative at TCG who can ask for a determination from our compliance director which will ultimately save both organizations time and money.
In addition to hazardous waste, there are materials that TCG does not accept or accepts conditionally. Lists of each of these materials can be found here:
-Smoke Detectors
-Aerosol Cans
-Pressurized Containers
-Biohazards
Although an item may be on one of the lists above, it is best to reach out to your business development representative to discuss the product as often, we have outlets for proper disposal or handling, even if TCG does not directly deal with the material ourselves.
Organizations see the greatest return on investment from their IT assets when they have an IT asset management and disposition plan in place. A basic plan should include the following:
If you are looking for guidance on your IT asset management/disposition plan or even if you have no idea where to start, feel free to inquire about our consulting services and let TCG help.
By following these quick tips, you can expect to a see an increase in returns from TCG. If you have any questions, please give us a call or reach out to your representative.
Toll-free: 877.826.8824
Local: 352.527.2534
CAER MEMBERSHIP SURGES TO 114 E-WASTE LEADERS BACKING RESPONSIBLE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING ACT |
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Growth reflects rising industry support for legislation that will create jobs, promote investment and increase exports of tested used electronics, commodities from e-waste Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 10, 2013 Membership in the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) has surged in recent months, reflecting growing industry support for the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (RERA). CAER membership has more than tripled since it launched in late 2011, and now includes 115 companies and supporting organizations operating more than 220 facilities in 34 states and the District of Columbia. As our Coalition grows, we continue to attract broad support from small and mid-size firms as well as established leaders,” said Wendy Neu, CEO of Hugo Neu and a member of the CAER steering committee. “These companies at the forefront of our industry recognize that RERA will create opportunities by addressing government policies that are exporting jobs and investment overseas.” RERA, which was recently reintroduced in Congress, will prohibit unregulated export of non-working electronics and e-waste that contain hazardous materials. Trade in tested, working electronics and recycled commodities would not be restricted and is expected to grow. RERA’s passage may generate up to 42,000 new jobs with an annual payroll of $1 billion, according to a recent study. Recent additions include:
“Technology Conservation Group (TCG) is pleased to support legislation that ensures responsible electronics recycling, creates American jobs and levels the playing field across the U.S. electronics recycling industry,” said Hamilton Rice, CEO of TCG. “We firmly believe electronics recycling should be performed securely and sustainably, for the benefit of the American economy.” Visit the CAER website for a complete list. |
INDUSTRY LEADERS PRAISE INTRODUCTION OF RESPONSIBLE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING ACT |
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Washington, DC – The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling (CAER) today encouraged swift passage of the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (RERA), introduced today as HR 2791 in the 113th Congress by U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).Reflecting the bill’s bipartisan support, RERA is being supported by Representatives from both parties, including three Republican co-sponsors: Reps. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Mike McCaul (R-TX) in addition to three Democrats: Reps. Green, Thompson and Louise Slaughter (D-NY).
Coalition leaders said RERA is essential for creating U.S. jobs and promoting investment in the domestic recycling industry. By requiring domestic recycling, RERA may create up to 42,000 new jobs with an annual payroll of up to $1 billion, according to a recent CAER study.
Exports of toxic electronic scrap will be prohibited and will need to be responsibly recycled within U.S. borders. Trade in tested, working electronics will remain unrestricted and is expected to grow. According to a U.S. ITC study, “exports of commodity-grade material would likely increase, as more recycling activity would take place in the United States” and commodities derived from used electronics “would be exported to manufacturing centers in non-OECD countries.”
Electronic scrap contains high concentrations of toxic materials such as lead and cadmium and is classified as hazardous by the U.S. EPA and many states. However, a large percentage of e-waste collected for “recycling” is actually exported to developing countries where it is dismantled in primitive conditions without environmental protections and worker safeguards.
Restricting e-waste exports under RERA will reduce data security risks such as hard drives containing sensitive defense-related information. Because companies collecting used electronics too often dump the equipment without erasing the data, exports have caused data breaches, identity theft, and cyber crime. In one case, a hard drive from a U.S. defense contractor containing sensitive information was found at a Third World e-waste dump. Exported electronic scrap has been shown to be a source of counterfeit components turning up in critical applications such as military and industrial hardware. RERA will close these security gaps.
The legislation has strong business support in addition to CAER, including wide range of groups representing electronics manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Apple, Samsung and major retailers such as Best Buy.
“CAER supports the export of tested, working electronics and recycled commodities around the world, which encourages economic development and job growth in the U.S. and contributes to our domestic economy,” said Bob Houghton of the CAER steering committee. “Developing nations can still get access to valuable, clean commodities, without absorbing the hazardous materials they had no part in creating.”
RERA will address current government policies that distort the marketplace and prevent U.S. companies from meeting market demand for responsible, domestic recycling services. “Once RERA becomes law, American recyclers can rationalize investments in plant and personnel essential to providing services people and businesses want,” said Wendy Neu of Hugo Neu and a CAER steering committee member. “CAER members across the country, from small startups to large companies, are energized and engaged to speak out on this important issue.”
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Technology Conservation Group, Inc. Joins the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling |
| Lecanto, FL – Technology Conservation Group, Inc. has joined the Coalition for American Electronic Recycling, which is leading a campaign in support of the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act (RERA) that will create jobs, promote investment and enhance sustainability.
RERA, which will be reintroduced in the current session of Congress, will prohibit unregulated export of non-working electronics and e-waste that contain hazardous materials. Trade in tested, working electronics and recycled commodities would not be restricted and is expected to grow with passage of RERA. According to a recent CAER study, RERA’s passage may generate up to 42,000 new jobs with an annual payroll of $1 billion. Technology Conservation Group, Inc. is among more than 100 companies and supporting members operating more than 185 facilities in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Visit the CAER website for a complete member list. About the Coalition for American Electronics Recycling The Coalition for American Electronics Recycling represents U.S. companies that believe electronics recycling should be performed securely and sustainably, for the benefit of the American economy. The Coalition is committed to growing an American industry with the capacity to manage the volume of e-waste generated within our borders, creating good jobs and expanded trade. About Technology Conservation Group, Inc. Founded in 1996 TECHNOLOGY CONSERVATION GROUP specializes in asset disposition and recycling of waste stream commodities generated through the manufacturing of electronics and electronic components. TECHNOLOGY CONSERVATION GROUP customizes programs for its customers to meet their needs and maximize their revenue return while recycling, reusing and/or remarketing virtually 100% of its intake. TECHNOLOGY CONSERVATION GROUP holds a multi-site certification to R2:2008/RIOS:2006 and ISO 14001:2004 standards, adheres to all levels of environmental regulations, and respects design security without sacrificing returns. TECHNOLOGY CONSERVATION GROUP serves an international customer base through its strategically located facilities throughout North America, Mexico, and India. |
TCG Community Outreach Awards Scholarships |
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Technology Conservation Group, Inc. has awarded scholarships through Technology Community Outreach, created in 2011 to support and educate the community on the benefits of recycling. TCG Community Outreach has presented scholarships to three Citrus County high school students scoring the highest in an essay contest. The award prized at $1,500.00 for 1st place was given to Kristen Carney from Lecanto High School. The $1,000.00 2nd place award went to Sydney Schantz from Citrus High School. The $750.00 3rd place award went to Lea Whitley from Citrus High School. An award of $250.00 has also been paid to the English department of th…e 1st place winner’s high school. In addition to the annual scholarships, two cash prizes were awarded to winners of an art contest for the creative use of recycled materials. The 1st place winner, Meghan Flaherty from Citrus High School has received an award of $400.00 and the art department of Citrus High School will also receive an award of $500.00. The 2nd place winner is also the 1st place award recipient of the essay contest, Kristen Carney. An award of $250.00 has also been paid to the art department of Lecanto High School. Presentations to the winners of each contest were made at the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, April 23rd. |
Technology Conservation Group Recognized for Exemplary Safety by OSHA, USF SafetyFlorida |
| The Lecanto electronics recycler received OSHA’s SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) award, which is given to private sector, small businesses with exemplary safety and health management programs. This is the company’s second SHARP renewal. It is one of 55 SHARP-certified companies in Florida.
Hamilton Rice, President of TCG stated that “we are extremely honored to have successfully achieved our second SHARP renewal. I would strongly recommend participation in the SHARP program to other businesses because the process really helped us to strengthen our internal Health & Safety program, and it is great to receive recognition for our continued effort. To learn more about Technology Conservation Group, visit www.tcgrecycling.com. Charlene Sitterly, program director of USF SafetyFlorida, says that earning a SHARP award is a badge of honor. “Businesses dedicated to workplace safety and health that earn this award work tremendously hard every day to keep their people safe. I commend Technology Conservation Group for its commitment to their employees’ safety and well-being.” USF SafetyFlorida recommends employers to OSHA for a SHARP award. To qualify, an employer must request a consultation from USF Safety Florida that involves a complete hazard identification assessment and engages employees in the consultation process. The company agrees to correct hazards identified during the consultation, implement and maintain a safety and health management system that addresses OSHA’s Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines, reduce its Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate and Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate below national average, and agree to notify its state Consultation Project Office prior to making changes to working conditions or introducing new hazards into the workplace. To learn more about workplace safety and health in Florida and to request a free on-site consultation, visit www.usfsafetyflorida.com. USF SafetyFlorida is the state’s small business safety and health consultation program funded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. Consultation programs were created as part of the OSH Act of 1970, section 21(d), so that employers subject to the Act may voluntarily undertake efforts to establish and maintain safe and healthful places of employment. The non-profit program is operated out of the University of South Florida College of Public Health and provides free and confidential workplace safety consultations to private sector businesses. To learn more and to request a consultation, visit www.usfsafetyflorida.com |
Technology Conservation Group Reduces Injuries and Illness after Working with On-site Consultation (2/29/2012) |
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Success Brief: Technology Conservation Group (TCG) in Lecanto, Florida had always strived to create and maintain safe working conditions for its workers, and even had an existing environmental safety and health program in place at the worksite. However, in 2005, TCG’s injury and illness rates were slightly above the industry average. After working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) On-site Consultation Program in Florida, the company was able to significantly improve its injury and illness incidence rates in addition to its safety and health management system (SHMS) to such an extent, that the company was recognized in OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) in 2006. SHARP recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary SHMS. Acceptance of a company into SHARP is an achievement of recognition that singles out the company among its business peers as a model for worksite safety and health. “When it comes to achieving SHARP success,” says TCG President, Hamilton Rice, “it’s not about one person. It takes everybody to make this happen.” Rice continued, “The On-site Consultation Program has raised the profile of safety and health within our organization, and we are extremely proud of the fact that our Florida facility has achieved OSHA SHARP [recognition].” As of 2012, other TCG facilities have become inspired to follow the lead of the Lecanto facility. Company Description: TCG has its corporate headquarters in Lecanto, Florida. TCG (NAICS 562920, Materials Recovery Facilities) is a total recycler of electronic scrap, by-products and other technological products. The Situation: In 2005, TCG reported that their Days Away, Restricted, and/or Transfer (DART) rate was 5.88. DART measures the number of recordable injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time employees that resulted in days away from work, restricted work activity and/or job transfer and is a tool used to assess the degree to which workers are exposed to hazards in a company or industry. For comparison, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average DART reported by other companies in NAICS 562920 was 5.1 in 2005. While TCG had an existing environmental safety and health program, the company’s management was determined to improve efforts to protect its workers. TCG first learned of the OSHA On-site Consultation Program in 2005, when a company representative attended a safety conference in Orlando, Florida. In March 2005, management at TCG decided to address workplace safety concerns and requested a safety and health consultative visit from OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program. This federally funded program, which offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses, is available to businesses in all U.S. states and several territories. In Florida, the On-site Consultation Program is administered by the University of South Florida (USF) through its “USF SafetyFlorida” program. According to Neil Lukey, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager at TCG’s Lecanto facility, “It really was a ‘no-brainer’ to utilize this fantastic resource to improve health and safety within the company. In addition, we wanted to improve the health and safety program at the facility and also wanted to get recognition for our firm commitment to health and safety within the company.” The Solution: During the initial walkthrough of the Lecanto facility in April 2005, the USF SafetyFlorida consultant who worked with TCG to educate them on the benefits of consultation, identified several hazards related to electrical safety and compressed air piping. These were remedied immediately after the audit. In addition, USF SafetyFlorida assisted TCG with developing a SHMS, which includes a Corrective and Preventive Action system for addressing all non-compliance issues that are identified. TCG built on the advice provided by the USF SafetyFlorida consultant and implemented a “5 Whys Root Cause Analysis” (RCA) as well as a verification of effectiveness system. The practice of RCA is based on the belief that problems are best solved by attempting to address, correct or eliminate root causes, as opposed to merely addressing the immediately obvious symptoms. By directing corrective measures at root causes, it is more probable that problem recurrence will be prevented. The USF SafetyFlorida consultant recommended TCG pursue recognition in SHARP. “At first, management and employees did not understand the significance of the SHARP,” says Debra Jackson, TCG’s EHS administrator, “but once the benefits of earning SHARP were explained by the consultant, everyone was on board.” According to Neil Lukey, “The main challenges that we identified while improving the SHMS have been keeping the momentum moving forward. We have conquered this challenge by using improvement goals as part of the continual improvement requirements of our Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety (QEHS) Management System. Additionally, health and safety performance is reported to Corporate on a monthly basis as well as during our quarterly Management Review. This has really kept the profile of our QEHS Management System high within the company.” The Impact: After working with USF SafetyFlorida for about a year, TCG earned recognition in SHARP in September 2006. In 2008, TCG recorded only two injuries and illnesses, giving it a Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC) of 2.4, which is significantly lower than the industry average of 3.9. TCG’s DART rate that year was 2.4, also below the 3.1 industry average. In 2009, TCG had a TRC of 1.0 and DART of 1.0. By contrast, according to the BLS, 2009 industry average rates for TRC and DART were 4.2 and 2.1 respectively. That same year, as a result of the company’s dedication to improve workplace safety, TCG earned its first SHARP renewal. Consequently, the company is actively working towards achieving OSHA SHARP status at its other facilities located in Kentucky and Oregon. The benefit of working with OSHA On-site Consultation is very evident. According to Neil Lukey, “TCG conducts EHS audits of all of our downstream vendors as part of our QEHS Management System. During these audits we recommend the On-site Consultation Program to other companies that we do business with whenever we have the opportunity.” |
Technology Conservation Group, Inc. Offers Local College Scholarships |
| Lecanto, FL – TECHNOLOGY CONSERVATION GROUP, INC., through its Community Outreach program, will host its second annual high school essay and art contests. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each contest will be presented with scholarships toward the college of their choice in the amounts of $1,500.00, $1,000.00 and $750.00 for the essay contest and $400.00,$250.00, and $100.00 for the art contest. In addition to the scholarship funds, donations of $500.00 will be awarded to the 1st place winner’s school science and art departments respectively.
Technology Conservation Group believes that education is the key to increasing the recycling rate. In an effort to encourage the public to recycle as well as raise awareness of the harmful materials that end up in landfills when electronics are disposed of improperly, Technology Conservation Group visits local schools to educate children, hosts facility tours for students and awards annual college scholarships using recycling-based contests. |
Technology Conservation Group, Inc. First Electronics Recycler to Take R2/RIOS® Certification International |
Lecanto, FL –TECHNOLOGY CONSERVATION GROUP, INC., an electronics recycling and asset management company headquartered in Lecanto, FL announced today that it has earned the prestigious industry designation R2/RIOS Certified Electronics Recycler® and achieved ISO 14001:2004 recertification in six of their processing facilities located in the United States, Mexico and Europe, making it the first company to take an R2/RIOS™ certification international. TCG’s certified facilities are located in:
R2/RIOS™ is the combination of two stringent accredited standards: the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) and the Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS)™. The result is an exacting standard for responsible electronics reuse and recycling and recognition in the market via R2/RIOS™ certification as a Certified Electronics Recycler® (www.certifiedelectronicsrecycler.org). Electronics recycling is a fast‐growing industry that creates high‐paying, green jobs and boosts the U.S. and global economies. The R2 standard was developed through a multi‐stakeholder process including ISRI, major OEMS, recyclers, experts in sustainability and recycling, and government agencies and is facilitated by R2 Solutions and supported by the US EPA. R2 provides benefits such as reducing environmental and health impacts from improper recycling, increasing access to quality reusable/refurbished equipment, and reducing energy use associated with processing virgin materials. RIOS™ is an integrated management system with key operational elements for quality, environmental, health and safety performance. RIOS™ comprises six major components – general requirements, policy, planning, implementation, corrective/preventive action, and management review. ISRI developed RIOS™ specifically for the recycling industry. “We are extremely proud and excited to be a Certified Electronics Recycler® in three different countries. TCG is a global company so it only made sense for us to include our Mexico and United Kingdom facilities,” said Hamilton Rice, President of Technology Conservation Group. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the reassurance that we are processing their material in the most environmentally responsible manner possible, no exceptions. TCG is committed to all aspects of the R2/RIOS™ and ISO standards and hold ourselves accountable for the integrity of our internal processes that support those standards.” “TCG has the very significant distinction of being the first U.S. company to ensure excellence in its facilities abroad through the latest and most rigorous environmental health and safety and quality standards. TGC is very clearly committed to the highest standards at home and around the world,” ISRI President Robin Wiener said. “With more and more global and country-based directives being issued to ensure that recyclers are using the very best standards, R2/RIOS™ is generating a great deal of interest and investment. Achieving R2/RIOS™ certification is a triple shot of quality, safety and environmental management in electronics recycling facilities.” TCG’s conformance audit against these stringent standards was performed by SGS, an independent third-party certification body accredited by ANAB, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. |
Support for projects across the United States and Mexico.
Chain-of-custody controls and detailed documentation.
Reuse, recovery and accountable recycling.
Customer visibility from pickup through settlement.