SEATTLE, WA — E-Stewards, the responsible electronics recycling certification years in the making has launched today with support from leading global corporations and environmental groups, all aiming to make a dent in the world's massive e-waste problem.

The certification, which was developed by the Basel Action Network in conjunction with industry, government and nonprofit stakeholders, is based on a pledge by electronics users and recyclers to:

• eliminate exports of hazardous e-wastes to developing countries;
• halt the dumping of such wastes in municipal landfills or incinerators; and
• cease the use of captive prison populations to manage toxic e- wastes

In addition, the certification requires recyclers to protect customer data throughout the recycling process, and protect the health and safety of workers in electronics recycling facilities.

"We are at a tiping point in solving this global problem," Jim Puckett, the Executive Director of BAN, told the media during a press conference this morning. "At last, a solution to the e-waste crisis is at hand."

The e-Stewards certification launches today with significant customer and infrastructural support. There are currently 50 e-Stewards recyclers, which have been audited by BAN as a first step to full certification. Three recycling companies have already achieved full Certified e-Stewards status: Newport Computer Services, WeRecycle!, and Redemtech.

"The government has not been helpful in this effort," Redemtech's president, Robert Houghton, said during the press conference announcing the launch. "EPA has been asleep at the switch in terms of enforcement of what meager regulations are in place. So it's been up to the environmental community to put pressure on the industry."

Redemtech's CEO, Robert Houghton, has been one of the industry leaders working to shape the certification. he has written about responsible recycling on GreenBiz.com several times in the past -- see "Responsible Electronics Recycling: Turning Policy into Practice" and "What Is -- and What Isn't -- Responsible Electronics Recycling" for examples.

There are an additional 12 recyclers that have contracted with certification groups to begin the process to become e-Stewards Certified Recyclers, including Creative Recycling Solutions, Universal Recycling Technologies, and CloudBlue. (GreenBiz Managing Editor Matthew Wheeland profiled CloudBlue last month on GreenerComputing.)

"As a Basel Action Network partner for the past three years, CloudBlue applauds BAN's leadership in creating the most robust e-waste certification available," Ken Beyer, the CEO of CloudBlue, said in a statement. "Their efforts have helped generate broad awareness around the global issue e-waste disposal."