Electronic Waste Facts and Figures
By Lauren Eaton, Surplus Technology Solutions
Electronic Waste Facts and Figures Ensures Proper Disposal and Reclamation of Key Materials Electronic Recycling Facts United States is the second largest producer of electronic waste. In accordance to Statista.com the United States 2019 total electronic waste was 6,918,000 metric tons.. At Surplus Technology Solutions, we've spent over 20 years helping Massachusetts organizations—from hospitals and schools to Fortune 500 companies—navigate the complex intersection of data security, environmental compliance, and technology lifecycle management.
Why This Matters for Massachusetts Organizations
Massachusetts has some of the strictest electronic waste regulations in the country. Under the Massachusetts Waste Ban and 201 CMR 17.00, organizations have clear legal obligations around the disposal of electronic equipment and the protection of personal information. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, regulatory action, and reputational damage that far exceeds the cost of doing things right the first time.
The Electronics Recycle landscape has evolved significantly, and the best practices of five years ago may no longer meet current regulatory standards. That's why staying informed and working with certified providers is more important than ever.
Our Approach at Surplus Technology Solutions
Every engagement begins with a thorough assessment of your needs, equipment, and compliance requirements. Our RIOS-certified process ensures that:
- Data Security: All storage media is processed per NIST 800-88 guidelines before any equipment leaves your facility or ours. You receive serialized certificates of destruction for every device.
- Chain of Custody: Every piece of equipment is tracked from pickup to final disposition with tamper-evident documentation. You always know exactly where your assets are in the process.
- Environmental Compliance: Materials are processed by certified downstream vendors—no offshore dumping, no landfill violations. We provide certificates of recycling for all materials processed.
- Value Recovery: Where equipment has residual value, we assess and report on it. Many clients offset their recycling costs significantly through our remarketing program.
Industries We Serve
Surplus Technology Solutions works with organizations across all sectors in Massachusetts and New England:
- Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant disposal of medical devices, clinical workstations, and patient care equipment. BAA executed prior to any collection.
- Education: FERPA-compliant recycling for schools, colleges, and universities. Chromebook recycling specialists.
- Corporate: Complete ITAD programs for businesses of all sizes, from single-device collections to full data center decommissions.
- Government: Compliant disposal programs meeting federal and state requirements, with full audit trail documentation.
- Life Sciences: Specialized handling for laboratory equipment, research instruments, and pharmaceutical manufacturing assets.
Certifications and Compliance Standards
When evaluating Electronics Recycle providers, certifications matter. Look for providers that hold:
- RIOS Certification: The most comprehensive standard for responsible recycling, covering environmental, health, safety, and quality management systems.
- R2v3 or e-Stewards: Industry certifications for responsible electronics recycling and downstream vendor accountability.
- NAID AAA Certification: The highest standard for data destruction services.
Surplus Technology Solutions maintains active RIOS certification and adheres to the highest industry standards. Our downstream vendor network is fully vetted and certified.
Getting Started
The process of working with Surplus Technology Solutions is straightforward. Contact us to schedule a consultation—we'll discuss your specific equipment, data security requirements, volume, and timeline. Most pickups can be scheduled within 2–5 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation will I receive after my equipment is processed?
You will receive a Certificate of Data Destruction for all storage-bearing devices (listing make, model, serial number, and destruction method), a Certificate of Recycling for all materials processed, and an Asset Disposition Report summarizing everything collected and processed during your engagement.
How does Surplus Technology Solutions ensure my data is truly destroyed?
All storage media undergoes certified destruction per NIST SP 800-88 guidelines. Functional media is overwritten with software that meets government standards; non-functional or highly sensitive media is physically shredded to particles smaller than 2mm. You receive serialized documentation proving destruction for every device.
Do you serve businesses outside of Waltham?
Yes. We serve all of Massachusetts and Greater New England from our Waltham, MA facility at 155 Berkley Street. We offer scheduled and on-demand pickup across the state, including Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, and all surrounding communities.
Conclusion
Responsible Electronics Recycle is both a legal obligation and a business imperative for Massachusetts organizations. Surplus Technology Solutions provides the certified expertise, documented chain of custody, and compliance-ready reporting your organization needs. Contact us at (617) 835-3208 or visit 155 Berkley Street, Waltham, MA 02451 to schedule your consultation today.
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