FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

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Charles Brennick

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Nov 23, 2009, 6:47:44 PM11/23/09
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If there any refurbishers out there that have contracts with government agencies, and aren't E Stewards, you might want to check this out:

 

From: Basel Action Network [mailto:inf...@ban.org]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 5:53 PM
To: bren...@interconnection.org
Subject: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT:  Sarah Westervelt, (206) 604-9024 (mobile), (206) 652-5555 (office)

 

 Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

 No More Dumping e-Waste in Developing Countries!

 

(Seattle, WA – November 20, 2009)  Representative Mike Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the new e-Stewards Standard – the highest in the industry.  

 

“In choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards, Congress is saying they want to be sure their old computers and other electronic products don’t end up being exported to developing nations, or sent to prison recycling shops,” said Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. “We are very pleased to see Congress lead by example in solving the problem of global e-waste dumping.”

 

The resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to establish and implement “a coordinated program for the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of obsolete computers and other electronic equipment used by offices of the legislative branch using only those companies independently certified as meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which forbids the export of e-waste to developing countries and use of prison labor.”  Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge, but very soon pledging companies will become the first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited independent certifying bodies.  The first certified e-Stewards will be available in March of 2010.  Until then, consumers are urged to use the pledged e-Stewards.

 

“As consumers of electronic equipment, we are all faced with the real choice of becoming part of the e-waste problem or being part of the solution,” said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic waste trade.  “Congress, informed by the horrific pictures of Chinese and African children wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled and practical one.  This bipartisan resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows Congress wants to be part of the solution.”

 

The e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new ‘gold standard’ for electronics recyclers and asset managers, as well as verification system, where only accredited, third-party auditors can certify whether recyclers are meeting the standard. The standard is currently held by the Basel Action Network, but was developed in collaboration with leaders in the recycling, auditing, occupational health, data security, and manufacturing industries as well as from the accredited third party certification industry.

 

There is little federal regulation of the recycling industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible companies in this industry who wish to distinguish themselves can now become certified to the new standard which requires them to handle electronic and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that protects the environment and the social and health and safety concerns of the workforce throughout the recycling chain around the world.  E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard that prohibits the export of e-waste from developed to developing nations.

 

E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not actually recycled, but is exported to developing nations where it is handled in very crude and dangerous ways that expose workers and communities to toxic materials.  

 

For more information:

e-Stewards website: http://www.e-stewards.org

Electronics TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/

Basel Action Network Website:  http://www.ban.org

 

 

122 S Jackson St. Suite 320 | Seattle, WA 98105 US

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Jim Lynch

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Nov 23, 2009, 7:54:05 PM11/23/09
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Find below the e-Stewards reuse and refurbishment and data sanitation requirements. They’re quite comprehensive and binding including the provision that all parts and whole computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers etc must be tested and fully functioning before they can be designated for reuse.

Find the whole certification standard at:
http://www.e-stewards.org/esteward_certification.html

-jim

4.4.6.2 Reuse and Refurbishment of Electronic Equipment
 
An e-Steward shall only donate or sell for Reuse, Electronic Equipment and components (which contain or consist of Hazardous Electronic Equipment or Problematic Components or Materials) that are Fully Functional, and shall ensure that all scrap/waste generated during refurbishment operations is managed according to this Standard.   An e-Steward shall meet the following requirements7 for Electronic Equipment in their facilities and under their control (see Appendix A) that is going for Reuse:
 
Appendix A is the E-Stewards Guidance Document and can be found at:
www.e-Stewards.org/Library/e-StewardsStandardGuidanceDocument.html
 
a) Fully test all Electronic Equipment and/or components containing or consisting of
Hazardous Electronic Equipment, consistent with Appendix A. Results of tests shall be
recorded;  
 
b) Repair, Repurpose, or refurbish, if needed, to ensure that they are Fully Functional;
 
c) Eradicate data stored in memory devices, as applicable, in conformity with Section   
4.4.6.3 of this Standard;
 
d)   Label or list identifying records of all Electronic Equipment and components going for Reuse in a manner that is accessible to customers, auditors, and officials (e.g. customs officers), including:
 
 1.  Type of device or component;
 
 2. Identification number of the item (on whole devices, and parts if they have  
 identification numbers);
 
 3.  Year of production (if available) and model number;
 
 4.  Manufacturer or brand name;
 
5. Type of evaluation or testing accomplished on equipment or components as    
   required in letter a) above, also indicating the testing protocol used to   
 determine key functions are functioning;  
 
 6.  Result of tests performed in letter a) above (condition of the device or part);
 
 7.  Name and address of the e-Steward responsible for evidence of functionality;  
 and
 
 8.  These identifying records shall be available without unpacking the equipment;
 
e)   Package refurbished Electronic Equipment and components for shipment in a manner that will protect them from damage during transit (see Appendix A);
 
a) Assure that Electronic Equipment and components are destined for Reuse and not
Recycling or Final Disposal (see Appendix A), by providing evidence of reuse
markets, including:
 
1. A copy of the invoice or contract relating to the sale and/or transfer of        
 ownership of the tested and Fully Functional equipment or components,     
 which states that the equipment is for Reuse, is Fully Functional, and        
 indicates the customer receiving equipment and parts; and
 
2. Bills of lading with the buyer and seller both listed.  If the buyer is a resale  
 broker of tested working equipment, there must be further documentation     
 from the resale broker verifying the resale of tested working equipment and       
 components to reuse customers;  
 
g)   Ensure that all scrap, waste, and materials resulting from the repair and
 refurbishment operations are managed according to the requirements in this Standard, including Section 4.4.6.5, throughout the Recycling Chain;
 
h) Provide a Mass Balance Accounting for all materials and equipment in the
refurbishment operations, to be included in the overall Mass Balance Accounting for
the overall operation (See Appendix A);  
 
i) Offer a take-back service, if practicable and desirable, for end-of-life equipment and
components originally sold or donated for Reuse8 (See Appendix A); and  
 
j) If a first tier certified e-Steward wishes to outsource any refurbishment tasks, it must
be in conformity with Section 4.4.6.7 if exported, or involve a domestic only a
certified e-Steward with whom the first e-Steward maintains and enforces a contract
for such services.
 
4.4.6.3 Data Security   
 
An e-Steward shall make customers aware of concerns over loss of data, and must offer data security services in-house or under their control (see Appendix A). An e-Steward shall identify in writing their explicit service obligations and agreements regarding data security for every customer.  In addition:
 
      a) If an e-Steward does not provide data security services to a customer, that customer shall sign a waiver indicating the e-Steward is not responsible for data security (see Appendix A);   
 
      b) If an e-Steward does provide data security services for a customer, the following shall be provided to the customer:
 
 1.  The specific terms of such services shall be explicitly defined in a written
 notification to or contract with the customer, including the specific data security
 liabilities that the e-Steward is and is not accepting;  
 
2. The e-Steward shall establish, implement, and maintain procedures to assure
that all data retained in memory devices in Electronic Equipment is protected
from theft or loss and shall not be released to unauthorized parties, from the
moment they take control of the Electronic Equipment through final data
destruction;  
 
3. Data shall be destroyed according to the requirements of and procedures set
forth by the NIST 800-88 Guidelines for Media Sanitization, with additional
procedures implemented to address imperfections in hard drives which may
cause overwrite sanitization applications to be unable to write obliterating
data (see Appendix A);
 
4.  The e-Steward shall create and document a process to demonstrate how it has
met its data security obligations; and  
 
5.  Regarding customer indemnification, the e-Steward shall provide customers
with information about what specific liability for the data the e-Steward
accepts, and if that liability is limited, the e-Steward shall define the amount of
liability it accepts for data security services (see Section 4.4.8 Insurance
Requirements).
 

On 11/23/09 3:47 PM, "bren...@interconnection.org" <bren...@interconnection.org> wrote:

If there any refurbishers out there that have contracts with government agencies, and aren't E Stewards, you might want to check this out:
 

From: Basel Action Network [mailto:inf...@ban.org]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 5:53 PM
To: bren...@interconnection.org
Subject: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

   
  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
  
CONTACT:  Sarah Westervelt, (206) 604-9024 (mobile), (206) 652-5555 (office)
 
  Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers
 
No More Dumping e-Waste in Developing Countries!  

  
(Seattle, WA – November 20, 2009)  Representative Mike Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the new e-Stewards Standard – the highest in the industry.  
  

  
“In choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards, Congress is saying they want to be sure their old computers and other electronic products don’t end up being exported to developing nations, or sent to prison recycling shops,” said Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. “We are very pleased to see Congress lead by example in solving the problem of global e-waste dumping.”
  


  
The resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to establish and implement “a coordinated program for the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of obsolete computers and other electronic equipment used by offices of the legislative branch using only those companies independently certified as meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which forbids the export of e-waste to developing countries and use of prison labor.”  Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615654/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-Stewards.org>  lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge, but very soon pledging companies will become the first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited independent certifying bodies.  The first certified e-Stewards will be available in March of 2010.  Until then, consumers are urged to use the pledged e-Stewards.
  

  
“As consumers of electronic equipment, we are all faced with the real choice of becoming part of the e-waste problem or being part of the solution,” said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic waste trade.  “Congress, informed by the horrific pictures of Chinese and African children wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled and practical one.  This bipartisan resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows Congress wants to be part of the solution.”
  

  
The e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new ‘gold standard’ for electronics recyclers and asset managers, as well as verification system, where only accredited, third-party auditors can certify whether recyclers are meeting the standard. The standard is currently held by the Basel Action Network, but was developed in collaboration with leaders in the recycling, auditing, occupational health, data security, and manufacturing industries as well as from the accredited third party certification industry.
  

  
There is little federal regulation of the recycling industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible companies in this industry who wish to distinguish themselves can now become certified to the new standard which requires them to handle electronic and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that protects the environment and the social and health and safety concerns of the workforce throughout the recycling chain around the world.  E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard that prohibits the export of e-waste from developed to developing nations.
  

  
E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not actually recycled, but is exported to developing nations where it is handled in very crude and dangerous ways that expose workers and communities to toxic materials.  
  

  
For more information:
  
Link to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938: <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615655/1400891/goto:http:/www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:>
  
e-Stewards website: http://www.e-stewards.org  <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615656/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-stewards.org>
  
Electronics TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615657/1400891/goto:http:/www.electronicstakeback.com/>
  
Basel Action Network Website:  http://www.ban.org <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615658/1400891/goto:http:/www.ban.org>
  

  

    

     
   
  
122 S Jackson St. Suite 320 | Seattle, WA 98105 US       
    
   
  
  
  

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waltfischer

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Nov 23, 2009, 10:10:45 PM11/23/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com

What is the estimated cost to become a e steward? First of all I don’t have the $125 to buy a PDF copy of a standard. If it becomes part of any law it will be included in a public document somewhere. Does anyone know if non-profits could qualify, or is it fanatically out of reach?

 

Walt Fischer

Board Chairman

Cincinnati Computer Cooperative

www.cincinnaticomputercooperative.org

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Angela Haas

unread,
Nov 23, 2009, 10:13:14 PM11/23/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
I noticed it costs about 1500-3000 dollars. Kinda steep for some groups but maybe they will accept time payments. Especially in this economy its tough.
a


WITS
647 E Holly
Saint Louis MO 63147
314-382-1650
or
1017 Griggs St
Danville Il 61832

Http://witsinc.org


"Thank you for helping help us bridge the digital divide and save our Mother Earth"

________________________________

From: waltfischer [mailto:waltf...@cinci.rr.com]
Sent: Mon 11/23/2009 9:10 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers



What is the estimated cost to become a e steward? First of all I don't have the $125 to buy a PDF copy of a standard. If it becomes part of any law it will be included in a public document somewhere. Does anyone know if non-profits could qualify, or is it fanatically out of reach?



Walt Fischer

Board Chairman

Cincinnati Computer Cooperative

www.cincinnaticomputercooperative.org <http://www.cincinnaticomputercooperative.org>



From: Charles Brennick [mailto:bren...@interconnection.org]
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 6:48 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers



If there any refurbishers out there that have contracts with government agencies, and aren't E Stewards, you might want to check this out:



From: Basel Action Network [mailto:inf...@ban.org]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 5:53 PM
To: bren...@interconnection.org
Subject: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers





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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT: Sarah Westervelt, (206) 604-9024 (mobile), (206) 652-5555 (office)



Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

No More Dumping e-Waste in Developing Countries!



(Seattle, WA - November 20, 2009) Representative Mike Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the new e-Stewards Standard - the highest in the industry.



"In choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards, Congress is saying they want to be sure their old computers and other electronic products don't end up being exported to developing nations, or sent to prison recycling shops," said Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. "We are very pleased to see Congress lead by example in solving the problem of global e-waste dumping."



The resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to establish and implement "a coordinated program for the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of obsolete computers and other electronic equipment used by offices of the legislative branch using only those companies independently certified as meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which forbids the export of e-waste to developing countries and use of prison labor." Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615654/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-Stewards.org> lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge, but very soon pledging companies will become the first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited independent certifying bodies. The first certified e-Stewards will be available in March of 2010. Until then, consumers are urged to use the pledged e-Stewards.



"As consumers of electronic equipment, we are all faced with the real choice of becoming part of the e-waste problem or being part of the solution," said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic waste trade. "Congress, informed by the horrific pictures of Chinese and African children wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled and practical one. This bipartisan resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows Congress wants to be part of the solution."



The e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new 'gold standard' for electronics recyclers and asset managers, as well as verification system, where only accredited, third-party auditors can certify whether recyclers are meeting the standard. The standard is currently held by the Basel Action Network, but was developed in collaboration with leaders in the recycling, auditing, occupational health, data security, and manufacturing industries as well as from the accredited third party certification industry.



There is little federal regulation of the recycling industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible companies in this industry who wish to distinguish themselves can now become certified to the new standard which requires them to handle electronic and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that protects the environment and the social and health and safety concerns of the workforce throughout the recycling chain around the world. E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard that prohibits the export of e-waste from developed to developing nations.



E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not actually recycled, but is exported to developing nations where it is handled in very crude and dangerous ways that expose workers and communities to toxic materials.



For more information:

Link to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938: <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615655/1400891/goto:http:/www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:>

e-Stewards website: http://www.e-stewards.org <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615656/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-stewards.org>

Electronics TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615657/1400891/goto:http:/www.electronicstakeback.com/>

Basel Action Network Website: http://www.ban.org <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615658/1400891/goto:http:/www.ban.org>





122 S Jackson St. Suite 320 | Seattle, WA 98105 US

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NextStep

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Nov 24, 2009, 12:49:53 AM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
Have to prepare for audit that is similar to ISO 14001-that will also cost you.
lorraine

From: Angela Haas <ah...@witsinc.org>
Reply-To: <refurb...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:13:14 -0800

    
  
FOR  IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 CONTACT:   Sarah Westervelt, (206) 604-9024 (mobile), (206)  652-5555 (office)
  Resolution  Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward  Recyclers
No  More Dumping e-Waste in Developing  Countries!  

 (Seattle,  WA – November 20, 2009)  Representative Mike  Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that  calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its  own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the  new e-Stewards Standard – the highest in the  industry.  

 
 “In  choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards,  Congress is saying they want to be sure their old  computers and other electronic products don’t end  up being exported to developing nations, or sent  to prison recycling shops,” said Barbara Kyle,  National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack  Coalition. “We are very pleased to see Congress  lead by example in solving the problem of global  e-waste dumping.”
 
 The  resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to  establish and implement “a coordinated program for  the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of  obsolete computers and other electronic equipment  used by offices of the legislative branch using  only those companies independently certified as  meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible  Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which  forbids the export of e-waste to developing  countries and use of prison labor.”   Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615654/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-Stewards.org>   lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge,  but very soon pledging companies will become the  first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited  independent certifying bodies.  The first  certified e-Stewards will be available in March of  2010.  Until then, consumers are urged to use  the pledged e-Stewards.
 
 “As  consumers of electronic equipment, we are all  faced with the real choice of becoming part of the  e-waste problem or being part of the solution,”  said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel  Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic  waste trade.  “Congress, informed by the  horrific pictures of Chinese and African children  wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the  U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled  and practical one.  This bipartisan  resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows  Congress wants to be part of the  solution.”
 
 The  e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new  ‘gold standard’ for electronics recyclers and  asset managers, as well as verification system,  where only accredited, third-party auditors can  certify whether recyclers are meeting the  standard. The standard is currently held by the  Basel Action Network, but was developed in  collaboration with leaders in the recycling,  auditing, occupational health, data security, and  manufacturing industries as well as from the  accredited third party certification industry.  
 
 There  is little federal regulation of the recycling  industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do  not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible  companies in this industry who wish to distinguish  themselves can now become certified to the new  standard which requires them to handle electronic  and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that  protects the environment and the social and health  and safety concerns of the workforce throughout  the recycling chain around the world.   E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard  that prohibits the export of e-waste from  developed to developing nations.
 
 E-waste  is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in  the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by  recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not  actually recycled, but is exported to developing  nations where it is handled in very crude and  dangerous ways that expose workers and communities  to toxic materials.  
 
 For  more information:
 Link  to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938: <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615655/1400891/goto:http:/www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:>
 e-Stewards  website: http://www.e-stewards.org   <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615656/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-stewards.org>
 Electronics  TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615657/1400891/goto:http:/www.electronicstakeback.com/>
 Basel  Action Network Website:  http://www.ban.org <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615658/1400891/goto:http:/www.ban.org>
 
 


    
  
122  S Jackson St. Suite 320 | Seattle, WA 98105 US  

  
   
  

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njcw...@aol.com

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 9:59:23 AM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
A lot of people buy parts of computers, printers, etc. to fix items. It is a huge part of reuse. So a printer may not work completely but parts of it are useful. Once again the perfect is the enemy of the good. In a new green economy people will need to be resourceful and reuse lots of items and FIX things. It may not be our job as refurbishers to fix everything. But to shred a printer that someone else can fix and use for BAN to feel righteous is nutty.


For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/refurbishers?hl=en.

Sean Dion

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 11:46:56 AM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com

It isn't the $1500 that scares me away.  It is the monthly nut that is tied to your revenue.  Pass.  It is tough enough making money in this business.

If any of you went through the ISO 9000 compliancy deal, what a scam.  I'm not saying this necessarily is, but we're already doing things in an environmentally sound fashion.  We're pulling as many working parts as possible to reduce landfills.  We're recycling the "crap" that we can't use through a certified recycler local to us.  We're doing all the things that we can to be kind to Mother Earth.  I just can't see paying for this.

Just my take.  Not necessarily politically correct, I know.

Sean Dion
TKO Electronics, Inc.
31113 Via Colinas
Westlake Village, CA 91362
PH: 818-879-2233 FX: 818-879-2299
sd...@tkoelectronics.com
AIM: TKOSeanD

 (Seattle,  WA - November 20, 2009)  Representative Mike  Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that  calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its  own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the  new e-Stewards Standard - the highest in the  industry. 


 
 "In  choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards,  Congress is saying they want to be sure their old  computers and other electronic products don't end  up being exported to developing nations, or sent  to prison recycling shops," said Barbara Kyle,  National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack  Coalition. "We are very pleased to see Congress  lead by example in solving the problem of global  e-waste dumping."
 
 The  resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to  establish and implement "a coordinated program for  the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of  obsolete computers and other electronic equipment  used by offices of the legislative branch using  only those companies independently certified as  meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible  Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which  forbids the export of e-waste to developing  countries and use of prison labor."   Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615654/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-Stewards.org>   lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge,  but very soon pledging companies will become the  first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited  independent certifying bodies.  The first  certified e-Stewards will be available in March of  2010.  Until then, consumers are urged to use  the pledged e-Stewards.
 
 "As  consumers of electronic equipment, we are all  faced with the real choice of becoming part of the  e-waste problem or being part of the solution,"  said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel  Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic  waste trade.  "Congress, informed by the  horrific pictures of Chinese and African children  wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the  U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled  and practical one.  This bipartisan  resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows  Congress wants to be part of the  solution."
 
 The  e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new  'gold standard' for electronics recyclers and  asset managers, as well as verification system,  where only accredited, third-party auditors can  certify whether recyclers are meeting the  standard. The standard is currently held by the  Basel Action Network, but was developed in  collaboration with leaders in the recycling,  auditing, occupational health, data security, and  manufacturing industries as well as from the  accredited third party certification industry. 
 
 There  is little federal regulation of the recycling  industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do  not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible  companies in this industry who wish to distinguish  themselves can now become certified to the new  standard which requires them to handle electronic  and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that  protects the environment and the social and health  and safety concerns of the workforce throughout  the recycling chain around the world.   E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard  that prohibits the export of e-waste from  developed to developing nations.
 
 E-waste  is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in  the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by  recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not  actually recycled, but is exported to developing  nations where it is handled in very crude and  dangerous ways that expose workers and communities  to toxic materials. 
 
 For  more information:
 Link  to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938: <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615655/1400891/goto:http:/www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:>
 e-Stewards  website: http://www.e-stewards.org   <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615656/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-stewards.org>
 Electronics  TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615657/1400891/goto:http:/www.electronicstakeback.com/>
 Basel  Action Network Website:  http://www.ban.org <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615658/1400891/goto:http:/www.ban.org>
 
 


   
  122  S Jackson St. Suite 320 | Seattle, WA 98105 US 

 
  
  This  email was sent to bren...@interconnection.org.  To ensure that you continue receiving our emails, please add us to  your

Jim Lynch

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 1:07:14 PM11/24/09
to Refurbishers-listserv
Walt,

BAN has posted a free version of the standards document at:  
http://www.e-stewards.org/documents/e-StewardStandard_ExcerptedVersion.pdf

They have a sliding scale for smaller recyclers and nonprofit recyclers and refurbishers, which is great. The largest expense, however, is in getting a required ISO 140001 certification, which alone costs upwards of $50K in time and direct costs, and then hiring an auditor and coach for the actual E-Stewards certification on top of that. Renewed Computer Technology in Toronto Canada has gone thru the ISO 140001 certification process. If you’re seriously contemplating this, I’m happy to put you in touch with them.

BAN has a good FAQ now at: http://www.e-stewards.org/esteward_certification_faq.html

-jim



On 11/23/09 7:10 PM, "waltfischer" <waltf...@cinci.rr.com> wrote:

What is the estimated cost to become a e steward? First of all I don’t have the $125 to buy a PDF copy of a standard. If it becomes part of any law it will be included in a public document somewhere. Does anyone know if non-profits could qualify, or is it fanatically out of reach?
 

Walt Fischer
Board Chairman
Cincinnati Computer Cooperative
From: Charles Brennick [mailto:bren...@interconnection.org]
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 6:48 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

If there any refurbishers out there that have contracts with government agencies, and aren't E Stewards, you might want to check this out:
 

From: Basel Action Network [mailto:inf...@ban.org]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 5:53 PM
To: bren...@interconnection.org
Subject: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

   
  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
  
CONTACT:  Sarah Westervelt, (206) 604-9024 (mobile), (206) 652-5555 (office)
 
  Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers
 
No More Dumping e-Waste in Developing Countries!  

  
(Seattle, WA – November 20, 2009)  Representative Mike Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the new e-Stewards Standard – the highest in the industry.  
  

  
“In choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards, Congress is saying they want to be sure their old computers and other electronic products don’t end up being exported to developing nations, or sent to prison recycling shops,” said Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. “We are very pleased to see Congress lead by example in solving the problem of global e-waste dumping.”
  

  
The resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to establish and implement “a coordinated program for the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of obsolete computers and other electronic equipment used by offices of the legislative branch using only those companies independently certified as meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which forbids the export of e-waste to developing countries and use of prison labor.”  Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615654/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-Stewards.org>  lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge, but very soon pledging companies will become the first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited independent certifying bodies.  The first certified e-Stewards will be available in March of 2010.  Until then, consumers are urged to use the pledged e-Stewards.
  

  
“As consumers of electronic equipment, we are all faced with the real choice of becoming part of the e-waste problem or being part of the solution,” said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic waste trade.  “Congress, informed by the horrific pictures of Chinese and African children wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled and practical one.  This bipartisan resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows Congress wants to be part of the solution.”
  

  
The e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new ‘gold standard’ for electronics recyclers and asset managers, as well as verification system, where only accredited, third-party auditors can certify whether recyclers are meeting the standard. The standard is currently held by the Basel Action Network, but was developed in collaboration with leaders in the recycling, auditing, occupational health, data security, and manufacturing industries as well as from the accredited third party certification industry.
  

  
There is little federal regulation of the recycling industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible companies in this industry who wish to distinguish themselves can now become certified to the new standard which requires them to handle electronic and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that protects the environment and the social and health and safety concerns of the workforce throughout the recycling chain around the world.  E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard that prohibits the export of e-waste from developed to developing nations.
  

  
E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not actually recycled, but is exported to developing nations where it is handled in very crude and dangerous ways that expose workers and communities to toxic materials.  
  

  
For more information:
  
Link to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938: <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615655/1400891/goto:http:/www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:>
  
e-Stewards website: http://www.e-stewards.org  <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615656/1400891/goto:http:/www.e-stewards.org>
  
Electronics TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/ <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615657/1400891/goto:http:/www.electronicstakeback.com/>
  
Basel Action Network Website:  http://www.ban.org <http://e2ma.net/go/6545556465/208048152/209615658/1400891/goto:http:/www.ban.org>
  

  

    

     
   
  
122 S Jackson St. Suite 320 | Seattle, WA 98105 US       
    
   
  
  
  

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Lowery, Steve

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 10:35:11 AM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com

Hi Walt,

 

I’m sure that there will be an e-stewardship for nonprofit collectors, so far at a 50% reduced rate.

 

If there is a way to get a copy of the standard and/or what this means to many of us, Jim Lynch at TechSoup will certainly be a champion for our cause.  He is well connected and TechSoup is at the forefront of the nonprofit technology programs and well educated in our government’s oversight.  I will just play this out and see what sticks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e-Stewards Licensing Fees:  Beginning February 1 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009 e-Steward marketing & licensing fees:

 

These fees are paid to:

 

 

Gross Revenue

Licensing Fee

 

Basel Action Network (annually, beginning 2009)

 

 <$1M

 $                                   500

 

 

 

 

 

 1-2M

                                   1,300

 

These fees pay for:

 

 

 2-3M

                                   2,100

 

1. marketing of e-Steward program

 

 

 3-4M

                                   2,750

 

2. recruitment of e-Steward Enterprises

 

 

 4-5M

                                   3,400

 

3. program costs (staff, overhead)

 

 

 5-8M

                                   5,400

 

4. research & investigations

 

 

 8-11M

                                   8,300

 

5. media work, legal fees

 

 

 11-14M

                              12,000

 

6. films, reports, brochures, websites

 

 

 14-18M

                              17,000

 

 

 

 

 

 18-22M

                              23,000

 

Note: Non-profits e-Stewards receive a

 

 

 22-26M

                              30,000

 

50% reduction in licensing fees.

 

 

 26-30M

                              38,000

 

 

 

 

 

 30-35M

                              46,000

 

 

 

 

 

 35-40M

                              55,000

 

 

 

 

 

 40-45M

                              65,000

 

 

 

 

 

 45-50M

                              75,000

 

 

 

 

 

 50-55M

                              85,000

 

 

 

 

 

 55-60M

                                 95,000

 

 

 

 

 

 65-70M

                               105,000

 

 

 

 

 75-80M

                               115,000

 

 

 

 

 85M+

                               125,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

Steve Lowery
SmartRiverside - (A non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation)
Digital Inclusion Program Manager
5950 Acorn Street
Riverside, CA 92504
Office: 951-351-6190
slo...@riversideca.gov
http://www.smartriverside.org


 


From: waltfischer [mailto:waltf...@cinci.rr.com]

Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 7:11 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com

For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/refurbishers?hl=en.

Sean Dion

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 1:32:16 PM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
Apparently all these guys make more money than we do ...

$1500 here, $50k there, and another licensing fee that would set us back another $10k annually.  HMMMM, let me think...
 
Spend $66k this year, and at least $10k every year thereafter and get no guaranteed cost recovery????
 
Does this sound as crazy to others as it does to me?  What am I missing?
 

Sean Dion
TKO Electronics, Inc.

31113 Via Colinas
Westlake Village, CA  91362

 


From: Lowery, Steve [mailto:slo...@riversideca.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 7:35 AM
image001.gif

Charles Brennick

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 1:36:53 PM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com

BAN's yearly fee is minimal compared to the auditor's fee, which Jim says will be around $50,000.  Such a fee is acceptable for large recyclers.  In fact, the big recyclers benefit  from higher barriers of entry because it makes them more exclusive.  But, for small recyclers, especially non profit recyclers, it's unattainable.  My biggest concern about certifications like Esteward and even R2 is costs.  There are many honest organizations that do everything BAN requires, and more, but costs for certification are too high for them.  So it will create an environment where only the big companies will get material and government contracts because they paid for certification while small organizations, doing great work, will loose out just because they can't afford it. 

 

Charles
www.interconnection.org

NextStep

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 1:48:32 PM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
We are in the process of BAN esteward application. We are looking at the biggest cost being ISO 14001 certification. We’ll need that if we did BAN or if we did the R2 certification.

This year we saw a 40% decrease in our income due to the new Oregon E-Cycles law (no longer able to charge for the service we provide), the scrap market flip flop and the state of the economy. We have managed to hold our own. Take that! You recyclers! We have discussed off sourcing our recycling to a for-profit recycler, but, as the scrap market creeps up, it still make sense for us to do in house.

I look at this as a marketing tool - not much more than that - we would continue to handle our material just as we do - we don’t need a label to compel us to be environmental leaders.

lorraine


From: Charles Brennick <bren...@nvmundo.com>
Reply-To: <refurb...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:36:53 -0800
To: <refurb...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose   e-Steward Recyclers

BAN's yearly fee is minimal compared to the auditor's fee, which Jim says will be around $50,000.  Such a fee is acceptable for large recyclers.  In fact, the big recyclers benefit  from higher barriers of entry because it makes them more exclusive.  But, for small recyclers, especially non profit recyclers, it's unattainable.  My biggest concern about certifications like Esteward and even R2 is costs.  There are many honest organizations that do everything BAN requires, and more, but costs for certification are too high for them.  So it will create an environment where only the big companies will get material and government contracts because they paid for certification while small organizations, doing great work, will loose out just because they can't afford it.  
 
Charles

njcw...@aol.com

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 1:53:45 PM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
It is crazy and it creates a barrier that will put non-profits out of business. So the thousands of people we help every year would be out of luck. I read this yesterday--maybe we should be focusing our energies here in the US on getting more businesses to recycle their electronic waste-80% in the US still goes to the landfill.

More than 90 percent of businesses do not care about recycling their obsolete computers, according to a survey by technology refurbisher Remploy. However, the survey found that 73 percent of companies claim they are recycling aging equipment.

image001.gif

Angela Haas

unread,
Nov 24, 2009, 2:33:12 PM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com
IT does sound crazy to me. Though we run about a $500K budget per year our costs are still increasing with trying to compete with Mersgoodwills (who are now taking all electronics free in Missouri and Illinois)so we have to redo a lot of our operations.
I agree about businesses, this is our focus this year. I have volunteers going to hit the phones right before holiday break.

Thanks
Angela

WITS
647 E Holly
Saint Louis MO 63147
314-382-1650
or
1017 Griggs St
Danville Il 61832

Http://witsinc.org


"Thank you for helping help us bridge the digital divide and save our Mother Earth"



-----Original Message-----
From: njcw...@aol.com [mailto:njcw...@aol.com]
Sent: Tue 11/24/2009 12:53 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers


It is crazy and it creates a barrier that will put non-profits out of business. So the thousands of people we help every year would be out of luck. I read this yesterday--maybe we should be focusing our energies here in the US on getting more businesses to recycle their electronic waste-80% in the US still goes to the landfill.

Morethan 90 percent of businesses do not care about recycling theirobsolete computers, according to a survey by technology refurbisherRemploy. However, the survey found that 73 percent of companies claimthey are recycling aging equipment.





-----Original Message-----
From: Sean Dion <sd...@tkoelectronics.com>
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tue, Nov 24, 2009 12:32 pm
Subject: RE: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers


Apparently all these guys make more money than we do ...

$1500 here, $50k there, and another licensing fee that would set us back another $10k annually. HMMMM, let me think...

Spend $66k this year, and at least $10k every year thereafter and get no guaranteed cost recovery????

Does this sound as crazy to others as it does to me? What am I missing?


Sean Dion
TKO Electronics, Inc.
31113 Via Colinas
Westlake Village, CA 91362
818.879.2233 Office
818.879.2299 Fax
AIM: TKOSeanD
sd...@tkoelectronics.com





From: waltfischer [mailto:waltf...@cinci.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 7:11 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers


What is the estimated cost to become a e steward? First of all I don't have the $125 to buy a PDF copy of a standard. If it becomes part of any law it will be included in a public document somewhere. Does anyone know if non-profits could qualify, or is it fanatically out of reach?


Walt Fischer
Board Chairman
Cincinnati Computer Cooperative
www.cincinnaticomputercooperative.org



From: Charles Brennick [mailto:bren...@interconnection.org]
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 6:48 PM
To: refurb...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Refurbishers List] FW: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers


If there any refurbishers out there that have contracts with government agencies, and aren't E Stewards, you might want to check this out:


From: Basel Action Network [mailto:inf...@ban.org]
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 5:53 PM
To: bren...@interconnection.org
Subject: Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers



If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online.
































FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





CONTACT: Sarah Westervelt, (206) 604-9024 (mobile), (206) 652-5555 (office)




Resolution Calls on Congress to Choose e-Steward Recyclers

No More Dumping e-Waste in Developing Countries!





(Seattle, WA - November 20, 2009) Representative Mike Thompson yesterday introduced a resolution that calls on Congress to craft a plan to deal with its own e-waste, only using recyclers certified to the new e-Stewards Standard - the highest in the industry.





"In choosing to work only with certified e-Stewards, Congress is saying they want to be sure their old computers and other electronic products don't end up being exported to developing nations, or sent to prison recycling shops," said Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. "We are very pleased to see Congress lead by example in solving the problem of global e-waste dumping."





The resolution (H.Res. 938) calls for Congress to establish and implement "a coordinated program for the reuse, recycling, and appropriate disposal of obsolete computers and other electronic equipment used by offices of the legislative branch using only those companies independently certified as meeting the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment, which forbids the export of e-waste to developing countries and use of prison labor." Currently the list of e-Stewards, available at www.e-Stewards.org, lists those qualified under the e-Stewards Pledge, but very soon pledging companies will become the first Certified e-Stewards, audited by accredited independent certifying bodies. The first certified e-Stewards will be available in March of 2010. Until then, consumers are urged to use the pledged e-Stewards.





"As consumers of electronic equipment, we are all faced with the real choice of becoming part of the e-waste problem or being part of the solution," said Jim Puckett, Executive Director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), a global watchdog on toxic waste trade. "Congress, informed by the horrific pictures of Chinese and African children wandering through heaps of toxic e-waste from the U.S., has recognized this choice as a principled and practical one. This bipartisan resolution to use only e-Steward Recyclers, shows Congress wants to be part of the solution."





The e-Stewards program includes both the rigorous new 'gold standard' for electronics recyclers and asset managers, as well as verification system, where only accredited, third-party auditors can certify whether recyclers are meeting the standard. The standard is currently held by the Basel Action Network, but was developed in collaboration with leaders in the recycling, auditing, occupational health, data security, and manufacturing industries as well as from the accredited third party certification industry.





There is little federal regulation of the recycling industry and most e-waste exports from the U.S. do not violate any U.S. laws. Therefore, responsible companies in this industry who wish to distinguish themselves can now become certified to the new standard which requires them to handle electronic and hazardous waste responsibly in a manner that protects the environment and the social and health and safety concerns of the workforce throughout the recycling chain around the world. E-Stewards is the only e-waste recycling standard that prohibits the export of e-waste from developed to developing nations.





E-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream in the U.S. But of the e-waste that is collected by recyclers, 50 to 80 percent of that is not actually recycled, but is exported to developing nations where it is handled in very crude and dangerous ways that expose workers and communities to toxic materials.





For more information:


Link to the resolution: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.938:


e-Stewards website: http://www.e-stewards.org


Electronics TakeBack Coalition: http://www.electronicstakeback.com/


Basel Action Network Website: http://www.ban.org





















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waltfischer

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Nov 24, 2009, 5:48:35 PM11/24/09
to refurb...@googlegroups.com

Sorry Jim I anticipated the high cost when I saw a $125 for a PDF. Thought I would chime in…

CCC bottom line is getting fatter, we raised our computer charges to $75/Open Office and $150/XP Office. Scrap prices have rebounded enough to help and we started charging for monitors and printers to make up for the losses there..We are working with Round 2 from Texas now. They want to support our nonprofit where ever they can.

 

 

Walt Fischer

Board Chairman

Cincinnati Computer Cooperative

www.cincinnaticomputercooperative.org

 

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