EPA has released new voluntary guidance to its Plug-In To eCycling partners, who will test its provisions to determine the most effective and practical methods for safely managing used electronic equipment.

The Plug-In To eCycling partnership, formed in 2002, aims to increase the safe recycling of used electronic products by providing recognition and other incentives to partners. The new guidance, "Plug-In To eCycling Guidelines for Materials Management," spells out preferred waste management practices for used electronic products, and defines partner eligibility.

Plug-In partners are manufacturers, retailers, government agencies, or nonprofit businesses that help in the collection, reuse, recycling, or refurbishing of old electronic equipment. These guidelines further encourage anyone who handles used electronic equipment to:

• Maximize reuse, refurbishment, and recycling rather than the option for disposal and incineration
• Ensure that exported electronic products will be legitimately reused, recycled, or refurbished by receiving countries, and provide for special handling of export components that may contain potentially harmful substances
• Make sure that facilities follow best management practices that are consistent with these guidelines

In addition to ensuring environmentally safe recycling of old electronics, this guidance aims to promote and maintain adequate markets for the reuse and recycling of electronic equipment.

For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/plugin/index.htm.