EcoATM (first profiled here), the San Diego based provider of a convenient in-store, trade-in solution known as Automated eCycling Stations for recycling your electronic “e-waste” is burnishing its green credentials by taking a leadership role in the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse (ERCC). The ERCC will “provide a forum for information exchange about state agencies implementing electronics recycling laws.” From a press release received via e-mail:

The ERCC was recently launched by two leading non-profit organizations advancing recycling efforts across the country – the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) and the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC). The new organization is a forum for coordination and information exchange among the state/local agencies that are implementing electronics recycling laws and all impacted stakeholders. Currently, 20 states and one municipality (New York City) have electronics recycling laws in place. The list is growing, and each of these laws is unique, making compliance a serious challenge for any retailer, manufacturer, or for consumers. As these laws proliferate, there is a commensurate need to coordinate legislation in order to make the laws consistent, and to leverage experience and knowledge from the states that have already implemented such laws.

As the second green revolution continues to bloom, it is becoming increasingly clear that a set of unified standards is necessary to make sense of the bewildering number and kinds of green initiatives. Whether it be carbon management, recycling, green building, Energy Star labels or any other area of focus, collaboration among the various stakeholders is essential. With the enormous amount of electronic waste being generated – much of it containing potentially hazardous materials- close coordination among consumers, manufacturers, and retailers will go along way towards responsibly dealing with the waste. If ecoATM can help lead that charge, more power to them.

- Justin Manger

[Image Credit: http://www.ecoatm.com/]