What Does ‘Green Electronics’ Mean?

September 1, 2015

September 1, 2015


Today’s blog is brought to you by the team at Electronics Recyclers International. It was originally posted on their blog on August 13, 2015.


The explosion in the tech world over the past two decades or so has resulted in the majority of Americans now owning smartphones, among other devices, with newer and fancier electronics seemingly appearing on the market every few months. Unsurprisingly, as a result, the number of unwanted electric items is growing at a rapid rate. 


With this huge amount of devices being produced and discarded, a new environmental issue has appeared. “E-waste,” or old electronics that are either broken or unwanted, are beginning to fill up landfills at an alarming rate. These electric devices often contain hazardous materials that can endanger the environment and local communities, even getting into the air. 


While many recyclers, such as ERI, have developed systems to responsibly process e-waste, there has also been growing pressure on tech manufacturers to build “greener electronics.” But what does that really mean?


Using sustainable materials and manufacturing


The idea of “green electronics” in part refers to the materials used in the production of computers, cell phones, televisions and dozens of other electric devices. For example, the plastic we see on all of those cable cords is often burned off in order to reach the valuable copper within, releasing dangerous chemicals into the air during the process. This can lead to the development of acid rain and further environmental damage. 


While it may be cheaper to use more toxic materials when building devices, electronics manufacturers are being urged to invest in eco-friendlier materials.


Energy use and carbon emissions


Another important component of creating greener electronics is lowering the amount of energy used and carbon emissions released during the entire production process, from the gathering of materials to the shipping vessels used to transport them to stores. Think about how far that iPhone had to travel to get your hands – and what went into making it. The majority of electronics are manufactured overseas, where carbon emission and labor laws are vastly different than in the United States.


How government is assisting in the fight for green electronics?


Luckily, due to the increased realization for a need of sustainable devices, the Green Electronics Council (GEC) was formed in 2005. The group offers different certification – Gold, Silver and Bronze - levels for companies that offer green devices. GEC utilizes a specially developed assessment tool to rate electronics called the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The system evaluates items on more than 50 different criteria to measure an item’s sustainability and overall efficiency. Greenpeace offers a similar ranking system which also focuses on the energy used during device production, called the Guide to Greener Electronics. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also implemented programs and introduced new regulations in terms of sustainability throughout the technology market and within the government itself. Through interactive experiences with businesses, the EPA is promoting what’s called product stewardship – a product-centered approach to environmental protection. The EPA is encouraging manufacturers, retailers and e-waste processing companies to work together in order to create a worldwide green electronics initiative. By giving businesses and manufacturers the information and incentives to become sustainable, the initiative has grown. The EPA’s website features examples of how certain companies are changing their ways into order to meet this goal. 

What can consumers do?


A world filled with green electronics is a team effort. Not only do companies need to develop and provide more sustainable devices, but consumers need to purchase them as well. Look for energy efficient devices and appliances by checking the EPEAT rating for sustainability. When getting rid of old devices, ensure they are being processed by a responsible recycling facility (every town has different resources). 


By working together, consumers, manufacturers and the federal government can properly promote the development and use of greener electronics with the overall goal of a cleaner and safer planet for us all.

Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation’s leading recycler of electronic waste and the world's largest cybersecurity-focused hardware destruction company, is e-Stewards and R2 certified to de-manufacture and recycle every type of electronic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. ERI processes more than 275 million pounds of electronic waste annually at eight locations, serving every zip code in the United States. For more information about e-waste recycling and ERI, call 1-800-ERI-DIRECT or visit www.electronicrecyclers.com.


NERC welcomes Guest Blog submissions. To inquire about submitting articles contact Megan Schulz-Fontes, Projects Manager. Disclaimer: Guest blogs represent the opinion of the writers and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

Share Post

Apparel Impact

By Sophie Leone • February 12, 2026
Established in 2015, Apparel Impact has been working within their community to reduce textile waste, fight clothing insecurity, create jobs, and ensure those in the community in need of clothing never go without. This family and veteran owned company is built on the foundation of disruption for good. The Apparel Impact team has been working to make real changes in an industry that has remained the same for many decades. They continuously push for transparency, accountability, and working solutions in the field. Today Apparel Impact works with over 1,800 partners and locations, including schools, towns, nonprofits, national brands, and small businesses across six states. Apparel Impact is also working to bring textile sorting and grading capacity back to the Northeast, while launching upcycling brands aimed at scaling textile reuse across the region. For Apparel Impact, it is all about “changing the way people think about clothing, proving a for-profit company can still put people and communities first, and making sure what we collect helps someone’s life, not a landfill.” Their impact and reach continue to grow every year. “Textile recovery only works at scale. It takes leadership, accountability, and real collaboration across states and sectors. We joined NERC because we believe in building infrastructure that actually changes outcomes, not just talking about it. We’re proud to stand with the NERC and others in the Northeast who are ready to move the industry forward.” NERC is excited to welcome Apparel Impact to our growing group of textile focused members. We look forward to amplifying their voice and helping to expand textile recovery in any way we can. For more information on Apparel Impact visit.

Sensoneo

By Sophie Leone • February 12, 2026
For more than a decade, Sensoneo has been driving innovation across the waste and recycling industry worldwide. Headquartered in Europe and active in more than 80 countries, the company has recently expanded into the United States by opening its Boston office. From the outset, its mission has been clear: to help cities, businesses, and governments address two of the sector’s most pressing challenges—operational efficiency and data transparency. Sensoneo brings proven, large-scale experience, operating nationwide end-to-end IT platforms for deposit return systems (bottle bill programs) in nine countries and supporting Extended Producer Responsibility programs with robust data management, reporting, and compliance tools. Its smart waste solutions power the world’s largest deployment of sensor-based waste-monitoring technology, enabling municipalities and facilities to optimize collection operations. “With the launch of our U.S. subsidiary, we are excited to expand collaboration with organizations advancing sustainable materials management and stronger recycling systems,” said Martin Nestepny, CEO of Sensoneo USA. “As a global technology partner, Sensoneo supports PROs, recyclers, and policymakers with actionable data to enhance program performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver measurable environmental outcomes - priorities that closely align with NERC’s mission.” NERC is pleased to welcome Sensoneo to its growing membership and looks forward to supporting the company’s work to improve performance and drive greater effectiveness across the waste and recycling industry. For more information on Sensoneo visit.

Planet Aid

By Sophie Leone • January 20, 2026
Planet Aid is a nonprofit established in 1997 to divert clothes and shoes from the U.S. waste stream and fundraise for community development programs around the world. With thousands of donation bins and centers across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, Planet Aid’s mission is to inspire positive change by making it easy for donors, partners and communities to take small steps that add up to a big impact. Over three decades, Planet Aid has collected more than two billion pounds of clothes and shoes for reuse. These donations have helped Planet Aid raise more than $100 million to fund community-led projects in the U.S., Africa, Asia, and Latin America. With headquarters just outside Baltimore, MD, Planet Aid serves thousands of communities in 14 states, including New York, New Jersey, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut and more. For those without a yellow collection bin or white donation center nearby, they've developed a donation through mail option. By partnering with Give Back Box, you can pack up and mail your donation items directly to their thrift store. This inclusive approach allows them to reach more communities, diverting even more waste that may have gone to a landfill or incinerator. “Planet Aid is excited to join NERC, an organization that shares our goals of minimizing waste, conserving natural resources, and advancing a sustainable economy,” said Uli Stosch, Planet Aid’s Chief Officer of Strategic Development. “We looking forward to collaborating with NERC’s members to help U.S. communities in the Northeast minimize textile waste while maximizing reuse to limit the negative impacts of fast fashion.” NERC is excited to welcome Planet Aid into our growing group of nonprofit members. We look forward to helping share the excellent work they are doing in the NE and around the world. For more information on Planet Aid visit.