Electronics currently hold the title as being the fastest growing waste stream and while volumes increase, so do the challenges in providing effective end-of-life device management across the globe.
The European community recognized these obstacles when it created the waste electrical and electronic equipment label of excellence (WEEELABEX) certification. This standard is an integral part of Europe’s environmental program and will better help European nations manage e-waste.
While not all countries have adopted this standard many have, including the Netherlands which has emerged as a strong supporter. Sims’ Netherlands operations immediately saw immense value in the standard and worked to become the first Dutch organization to receive the WEEELABEX certificate for the responsible processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
“We are proud to be the first Dutch organization to receive this designation,” said Rene Kik, commercial director for Sims Recycling Solutions, Europe. “The certification embodies practices we already adhere to at our center and we are glad to see the Netherlands is taking a proactive stance on the responsible processing of WEEE.”
To mark this significant event Remco Dijkstra, a Dutch member of parliament for the Dutch Liberal Party personally presented Sims with the certificate at the Eindhoven facility in October 2014.
The WEEELABEX certification sets standards and closely monitors the processing and disposal of WEEE. It also audits outlets for secondary raw materials at the end of the process and has a strong focus on health and safety. Sims’ internal protocols aligned with the WEEELABEX model to earn the first certification in the Netherlands.
The Dutch government will require all e-waste recyclers to become certified to continue receiving e-waste after mid-2015.
The Netherlands electronics disposal center processes around 71,663 tons of electronic waste each year and has special facilities for processing LCD monitors, TV’s and toner cartridges from copiers and printers.
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