e-Stewards certification is an accredited, third-party audited, certification program for electronics recyclers, refurbishers and asset managers, based on the e-Stewards Standard which defines best practices for ethical and responsible used electronic equipment management.  e-Stewards Certified Processors attract customers who care about data security, brand protection, human rights and environmental justice. 

Please click here to view the nine steps to certification.

The current e-Stewards Standard for Ethical and Responsible Reuse, Recycling, and Disposition of Electronic Equipment and Information Technology Version 4.1 was published on February 22, 2022.  It establishes best practices for globally responsible electronics recycling and reuse. It prohibits the export of hazardous electronic waste from developed to developing countries while allowing viable technology to be reused. It includes the ISO 14001 or RIOs standard as an Environmental Management System and requires Certification to i-Sigma’s NAID AAA Data Security Standard. Certified e-Stewards recyclers are audited by accredited certification bodies to assure conformity to the e-Stewards Standard, including downstream accountability for all materials to final disposition. 

No. The standard requires recyclers and refurbishers to operate in conformance with the Basel Convention (a United Nations hazardous waste treaty ratified by more than 190 countries.) The e-Stewards Standard does not restrict export of non-toxic steel, aluminum, plastics or used equipment that is tested and fully functional, as long as the trade is compliant with laws of the importing country. It also allows export of hazardous electronics recyclables between developed countries, in accordance with the Basel Convention.  

Becoming e-Stewards Certified is a powerful long-term investment in your business, helping you establish and retain a competitive edge. Once certified, you are instantly branded as an industry leader. You will be able to differentiate yourself dramatically from your competition, bid on and win business from customers that demand responsible recyclers, and benefit from marketing support of the e-Stewards network.

The total time needed to achieve Certification varies depending on several factors. For example, if a company is already certified to ISO 14001, or RIOs, the Environmental Management System will already be in place, saving time. Companies need to prepare for the Stage 1 audit, which means having all required documentation available for the audit for at least three months, with six to twelve months preferred. It also may depend on how many employees need training.   Some companies hire a consultant trained to the e-Stewards Standard to assist in preparation of audits, which can save time.  Once the day comes for a stage two audit the average time among all of our e-Stewards is currently 4.84 days (including RIOs or ISO EMS).

The contracts with the certifying bodies are for three years. After the initial audits are successfully completed, the next two years require surveillance audits. Then, every third year a new contract is signed and another full audit is required. The Annual License Agreement signed with the e-Stewards administrator continues annually as long as all requirements are met and the recycler remains in good standing in the program.

All processing facilities within a country under the same ownership and management of a Certified company must be certified within eighteen months of the first facility obtaining certification. If a company acquires additional locations, the entity shall inform the certifying body and the e-Stewards administrator about the new company, and it must be certified within 18 months of ownership.  In this way, all facilities flying the flag of e-Stewards must adhere to the Standard, unlike other Certifications that allow free-riding facilities.