Northeast News
September 2, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Kansas City, Mo., is getting greener.

In a press release, city officials have announced that Kansas City now joins a global commitment to the responsible recycling of electronic waste through recognition by the Basal Action Network [BAN] as an e-Steward Enterprise. The BAN designation recognizes cities, counties and companies that take concrete measures to eliminate the export of hazardous electronic waste [e-waste] to developing countries by using Certified e-Stewards Recyclers to manage their electronic waste.

Kansas City is currently home to one BAN certified e-Steward recycler, and city leaders are working to help other local businesses achieve e-Steward recycler status with the hopes that unwanted electronic waste can be put to use in areas of growing need such as schools and community centers. In the release, Mayor Sly James said the certification as an e-Steward Recycler helps narrow the digital divide in Kansas City.

“City government, as well as our corporate citizens, must foster digital access to our entire community by finding ways to refurbish computers and accessories for residents who cannot afford them, including residents of public housing as part of the White House ConnectHome Initiative,” James said.

The e-Stewards Standard protects against e-waste dumping in landfills, processing by prisoners, and the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries. It also ensures worker protection and strict rules for the security of private data stored in electronics. It is the only e-waste standard to include all these protections. More than 70 environmental groups worldwide have endorsed the e-Stewards Standard. A complete list of e-Stewards Enterprises and recyclers certified to the e-Stewards Standard is available at www.e-stewards.org.