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Find trustworthy partners

There have, unfortunately, been instances (some of which have been featured in recent news reports) of e-cycling companies betraying their customers’ trust by disposing of waste improperly. These methods can include inappropriate dumping of toxic components or the exporting of e-waste overseas where it is unsafely dismantled by at-risk, unprotected workers. In order to avoid doing business with an untrustworthy recycler, it is important to ask these questions of any e-cycler:

• Is the recycler licensed to handle hazardous waste? What procedural and environmental certifications do they possess?
• What is the final location of those materials and how is this route tracked? 
• How and where are assets recycled and is that process auditable?

Once a company is identified that can accept office e-waste, inquire whether this company is also a primary refiner for precious metals. When a primary refiner receives precious metals waste, all processing takes place with that single company, as opposed the metals being sent away for purification at another location. This not only reduces the amount of time necessary to refine the materials, which results in a faster turnaround time for payment, it also ensures that the refining process is more efficient. 

Non-primary refiners can take up to 45 days to process payment, while primary refiners can turn around the process in as little as five days. This type of refiner can accept waste crowns, bridges, and filings in-person, through drop-off or pick-up services, or via mail.

Remember the basics

Other recyclable waste consists of more “every day” objects, such as plastics, glass and paper. Items such as cardboard, computer paper, toner cartridges, plastic containers and packaging, magazines, aluminum, and glass bottles should all be recycled in the municipal system. Unfortunately, some of the valuable recycling services available to consumers are not available to businesses; a call to the city’s solid waste department or a visit to business.earth911.com can help dental offices find out what options they have for recycling non-hazardous office waste.

It is important to point out that offices will mostly likely not make money by participating in recycling programs. However, using funds reclaimed from refined and recycled metals will help offset the cost of recycling, allowing dental offices to observe greener, more responsible business practices.

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For more information on e-cycling, local regulations, and state recycling programs, visit the EPA e-cycling Web site. Additionally, groups such as the American Dental Association are reliable resources for finding reputable precious metals refiners that cater to dental offices.

Photo: Michael Betts / Getty Images 

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