Staples Advantage to reduce e-waste

Staples Advantage, the business to business division of Staples, has launched a Technology Recycling Service, so businesses can recycle old electronics.



The program, offered in partnership with Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) allows businesses of all sizes to recycle large volumes of electronics conveniently, responsibly and in a secure manner, the company said.



“This program demonstrates how Staples continues to lead the industry in recycling efforts,” said Al Zoldos, VP of sales, Staples Technology Solutions. “In 2007, we were the first retailer to offer recycling at our retail stores. Now we’re the first to provide a way for our corporate customers to easily and responsibly recycle old electronics. From provisioning new equipment, then providing services to manage it and now an easy way to handle end of life recycling, we’re offering a true lifecycle approach to technology management.”



Staples Advantage’s new program allows businesses to recycle equipment — from cell phones and keyboards to telecom equipment and multi-function devices — by complete the following 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, a project of the Basel Action Network, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible recycling of e-waste.



“Staples Advantage is filling a void desperately needed in our industry — a way for companies to easily and securely recycle the mass amounts of e-waste being created annually,” said John Shegerian, chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI). “Staples recognized this need and implemented this program, not because they’re required to, but because they know it’s the right thing to do. We’re privileged to be partnering with Staples on this initiative.”



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



The cost for the service will range from $15 to $500 depending on the size of the box ordered, with options ranging from a 9” x 5” x 3” box to full pallets. Customized sizes are also available.