BAN Applauds LG Electronics for Responsible e-Waste Recycling
100% of LG's U.S. e-Waste Now Goes to e-Stewards Recyclers, Who Won't Export it to Developing Countries
SEATTLE, Sept. 10, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Global electronics and appliance innovator LG Electronics has received high praise from the toxic trade watchdog group Basel Action Network (BAN) for ensuring that none of LG’s e-waste is exported to developing countries.
BAN applauded LG Electronics USA for confirming that all of its customer take-back programs and all of its own office equipment is recycled responsibly through certified e-Stewards® recyclers. LG is even in the process of certifying its own Service Center under the e-Stewards program.
The e-Stewards program is the most rigorous social and environmentally responsible certification for electronics recyclers. Under this robust program, e-Stewards recyclers must account for every pound of hazardous e-waste they process and must not allow it to be sent to developing countries. The e-Stewards program was created by BAN after it discovered that the majority of e-waste in the U.S. handed over to recyclers for recycling is instead exported to China, Nigeria, India or other developing countries where it is handled in dangerous, highly-polluting backyard operations that harm workers and local communities.
LG Electronics had already become a global e-Stewards Enterprise company in 2011, an honor bestowed on companies that pledge to make best efforts to utilize e-Stewards recyclers. Today, LG has gone even further as the first manufacturer to succeed in sending 100 percent of the e-waste it controls in the U.S. to e-Stewards recyclers, including e-waste from its service center in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Environmental stewardship is a core business principle at LG Electronics,” said Wayne Park, president and CEO, LG Electronics USA. “We are committed to protecting the planet for the entire life-cycle of our products. And, as a proud e-Stewards Enterprise company, LG will continue to spread this ethic to our other operations around the world.”
Consistent with its e-Stewards commitment and its leading role as a Gold participant in the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge, LG Electronics USA has collected and responsibly recycled more than 30 million pounds of electronics in 2013 through July using e-Stewards-certified recyclers. The LG Electronics Recycling Program recycled 37 million pounds for the entire year of 2012.
“LG has surprised us with the speed by which they have moved to become the most responsible electronics company operating in the United States when it comes to managing e-waste,” said BAN's Executive Director, Jim Puckett. “Their commitment to accountable recycling here in the U.S. demonstrates real leadership at a time when far too many in the industry turn a blind eye to the life cycle impacts of their products, particularly in developing countries.”
About e-Stewards® Certification
The e-Stewards® Initiative is a market-based solution to help individuals and organizations identify and promote those electronics recyclers that ensure that used electronics are managed with the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. e-Stewards Certified Recyclers are audited and certified to ensure highest levels of responsibility and e-Stewards Enterprises are major corporations, municipalities or institutions that agree to make best efforts to make use of e-Stewards Certified Recyclers. For more information about the e-Stewards Initiative visit: www.e-Stewards.org or blog.e-Stewards.org, and follow @eStewards on Twitter.
About Basel Action Network
Founded in 1997, the Basel Action Network is a 501(c)3 charitable organization of the United States, based in Seattle, WA. BAN is the world's only organization focused on confronting the global environmental justice and economic inefficiency of toxic trade and its devastating impacts. Today BAN serves as the information clearinghouse on the subject of waste trade for journalists, academics, and the general public. Through its investigations, BAN uncovered the tragedy of hazardous electronic waste dumping in developing countries. For more information, see www.BAN.org or blog.BAN.org.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 87,000 people working in 113 locations around the world. With 2012 global sales of USD 45.22 billion (KRW 50.96 trillion), LG comprises five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning & Energy Solution and Vehicle Components — and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2013 ENERGY STAR®Partner of the Year and a global e-Stewards Enterprise company. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $45 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions in the United States, all under LG’s “Life's Good” marketing theme. www.LG.com.
Contact:
Jim Puckett
Basel Action Network, Executive Director
John I. Taylor
LG Electronics USA, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
