1. Industry-Led ESM in Canada
Workshop on E-waste Recycling and Refurbishing: Environmentally Sound Management Practices
Voluntary ESM approaches for refurbishing and recycling used and waste electronics
Industry-Led ESM in Canada
Sean De Vries
eStewardship.ca
Guadalajara, Mexico February 15–16

2. Object of the presentation
Who we are
The Setting and Evolution of Our Standard
How Recyclers Get Involved
Benefits and Challenges of our Approach
Lessons Learned

3. Background
eStewardship.ca is an organization established by the province-wide end-of-life electronics (EOLE) programs in Canada to focus on harmonized initiatives
5 EOLE Programs in Canada – covering 6 provinces
All but one are industry-led programs, although all programs operate under a similar framework
Stewards (obligated brand owners) remit fee to the stewardship program on the supply of obligated products in the province, the program uses the fees to collect and recycle EOLE in responsible manner

4. Setting the Standard
As governments began to look at regulating EOLE, industry realized there was no standard for handling this material in a responsible manner
Setting the standard was critical to ensure effective risk management
A variety of approaches were considered but it was determined that a detailed approach specific to the electronics recycling industry was required
Resulted in establishing the Electronics Recycling Standard (ERS)

5. Basis of the ERS Sound environmental, health, safety & social controls
Prohibit land filling of EOLE
Prohibit the use of prison labour in processing EOLE
Prohibit the shipping of material to developing/non-OECD countries
Enforce downstream accountability of all materials
* One Standard: All recyclers must meet the same standard, regardless of operations, jurisdiction, material or point in the material recovery stream, etc.

6. Evolution to the RQP
Beyond the ERS, it was recognized that further detailed information was required
Led to the development of a comprehensive Recycler Qualification Program (RQP) in 2010:
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING STANDARD
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
RECYCLER ASSESSMENT AND APPROVAL PROCESS
ONGOING SURVEILLANCE AND RE-VERIFICATION
AUDIT PROTOCOLS
APPROVED RECYCLER RECOGNITION
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
FORMS

7. Versions of the ERS Version #1 2004 Modified version in use by ARMA
2006
In use by ACES, ESABC and SWEEP
Version #3
2009
In use by OES
Version #4
2010
National approach

8. Assessments to the ERS
Different than other standards  Program initiated approvals
Recyclers apply to the program
Program initiates an audit
Auditor reviews documented evidence and then conducts an on-site audit to provide an assessment of conformance to the ERS
All recyclers are audited until the material reaches the point of final disposition

9. Benefits of this Overall Approach
Primary recycler is responsible for the downstream accountability of the material
Requires Recyclers to assess their operations, not simply comply with elements of a Standard
Provides a structured framework under which recyclers can develop EHS programs and operational controls
Helps educate recyclers on the products they receive and any substances of concern they contain
Provides an objective, third-party assessment of the recycler’s operations
Helps to differentiate recyclers by providing recognition as a program approved recycler

10. Challenges with this Approach
The requirements are in addition to and do not replace regulatory requirements
Is not a substitute for regulatory enforcement
The Standard needs to be clear and concise, and open enough to allow for all suitable process/ operations – can’t prevent development of new processes/technologies
The Standard only the beginning – education and consistency in assessments and approvals is critical

11. Lessons Learned for Recyclers
Significant learning curve - Being involved at the beginning of the process is an advantage
The ‘Standard’ will evolve – Recyclers should evolve with it
Work closely with the Standard body to ensure that processes/technologies/developments are understood

12. Industry-Led ESM in Canada
Sean De Vries
Director of Technical Harmonization
92 Caplan Avenue, Suite 102
Barrie ON Canada
L4N 0Z7
office: