Corporate Liability

Improper disposal of obsolete IT equipment is fast becoming a major liability for companies. Potentially toxic content in a seemingly innocuous piece of equipment can lead to fines and compliance issues.

Electronic components contain many substances which are considered harmful if released into the environment. A typical CRT monitor contains three to nine pounds of lead, according to recycling firms. Printed circuit boards contain beryllium, cadmium, flame retardants and other compounds that can contaminate the air and groundwater and expose humans to carcinogens and other toxins when equipment is shredded, burned or sent to a landfill. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, e-waste is now the fastest-growing stream of waste in the U.S.

Electronic scrap which enters the waste stream must be managed as hazardous waste. In the event of disposal in a non-hazardous waste landfill, environmental remediation is governed by the stringent federal CERCLA, or Superfund laws. Under Superfund, an end user's liability for improper disposal is "joint and several," and may continue beyond an item's removal from the enterprise until its final disposition. In other words, not only must the first owner comply with RCRA/Superfund, but so too must every subsequent owner in order to avoid legal jeopardy for all. Most electronics may be traced to the original purchaser by serial number records maintained by the manufacturers.

Because I3, LLC manages the de-manufacturing of valueless technology in-house, it is able to certify that all electronic scrap it receives is handled in a manner compliant with governmental regulations and local requirements. I3, LLC issues its customers a legal indemnification against liability for improper disposal with every recovery. Reporting provides a complete audit trail through final disposition for every serialized item.