eLoop llc, a regional IT asset manager, collector, and recycler of electronic waste, has achieved e-Stewards® Certification for its Pittsburgh area e-recycling facility. The facility has been certified to the e-Stewards® Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, the first fully accredited, independently audited certification program designed to ensure that e-waste will be responsibly and accountably recycled, and not shipped to developing countries.
 
“This is a major accomplishment for our organization. In the last few years, most of our customers have been educated about e-waste export and data security issues and they have been looking for an e-waste recycler they could trust. eLoop llc meets the highest standards for processing in the world,” said Ned Eldridge, President & CEO. “We had been a Pledged e-Stewards Recycler since 2009, but we weren’t going to be satisfied until we secured the most relevant industry standard by becoming e-Stewards Certified.”

Eldridge added that by meeting the requirements of the Standard and establishing an audit protocol for the Pittsburgh facility, eLoop is better prepared for its impending expansion into State College and Lancaster PA. As the business continues to expand geographically, he believes certification publicly validates the business model and builds trust with clients.
 
The e-Stewards Certification was developed by a group of concerned electronics recyclers, environmentalists, industry leaders and health and safety and technical experts working with the Basel Action Network (BAN), a non-governmental organization focused on stopping illicit e-waste exports. The e-Stewards Certification program, created by BAN, formally recognizes electronics recyclers that adhere to environmentally and socially responsible practices when recovering hazardous electronic materials.
 
Companies pursuing e-Stewards Certification are subject to extensive and rigorous audits to ensure they comply with the e-Stewards Standard and have a registered ISO 14001:2004 environmental management system in place.
 
“We’re proud to announce that eLoop has received e-Stewards Certification of their Pittsburgh area facility,” said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of BAN. “eLoop is the first Certified e-Stewards Recycler in Pennsylvania and a welcome addition to our growing group of responsible recyclers. Their network of collectors around the state enables eLoop to provide convenient and accountable recycling to electronic manufacturers, businesses and consumers throughout the region.”

The e-Stewards Certification program, created by the Basel Action Network (BAN), formally recognizes electronics recyclers that adhere to environmentally and socially responsible practices when recovering hazardous electronic materials. It is the first such program backed by environmental organizations and major corporations alike.  The accredited third-party audited certification program is supported by the USEPA and is endorsed by Greenpeace USA, the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Electronics TakeBack Coalition and 68 other environmental organizations.  It has also drawn the public support of major corporate “e-Stewards Enterprises” including Alcoa, Samsung, Bank of America, Capital One Financial Corp. and Wells Fargo. 

About eLoop llc

eLoop llc ( http://www.eloopllc.com) is headquartered in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, and is the only Certified BAN e-Steward in Pennsylvania to operate a DEP-permitted de-manufacturing facility.  eLoop is a sustainability specialist that works directly with organizations serving both the commercial and consumer markets to make responsible decisions when it comes to managing “hard to recycle” waste streams. eLoop manages an organization’s reputational risk by supplying three important services: a complete solution for the destruction of sensitive data; the capability to find resale opportunities for IT assets with value; and an ethical recycling service for all end of life equipment.  This is extremely important as eLoop has the credentials, contacts, and the experience to provide a responsible e-waste collection network in the state, which decreases the states carbon footprint and creates “GREEN” jobs in Pennsylvania.