Eco-Challenge to Find E-Waste Tracking Systems

12 April 2012 Massachusetts based I.T. services company, EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) has launched a new Eco-Challenge seeking solutions for tracking shipments of used electronic components and subsystems and ensuring that they are disposed of responsibly. The Eco-Challenge, which will be open through April 30, 2012 and is open to the public, is seeming ideas for a scalable system that will allow manufacturers to follow e-waste to its final destination. EMC said that such a system would help ensure that e-waste is treated compliance with industry standards and regulations. The challenge has been made in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) - a non-profit organisation aimed at tackling environmental challenges - and InnoCentive, an open innovation, 'crowdsourcing', and prize competitions specialist. According to EMC, safe, legal and transparent e-waste disposal is an ongoing concern for both industry and environmental groups, which want to make sure heavy metals and chemicals are not released as part of the recycling process. The company said that while more and more companies are recycling electronic components and subsystems, it can be very difficult to ensure that they are handled properly, or even to know for certain where these components end up. David Goulden, executive vice president and chief financial officer of EMC explained: "The long-term success of our company depends upon our ability to collaborate with others in our industry in the pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable world." According to Goulden the proper handling of obsolete equipment is not only significant for human health and a cleaner environment, but it also protects data privacy and is simply an economically sound practice. "With the unrelenting growth of data driving I.T. demand, it is incumbent upon the entire industry to continue to pursue ways to minimise the production and undesirable effects of e-waste," he added. The Challenge is part of the Eco-Challenge Series created by EDF and InnoCentive. Beth Trask, who leads the Eco-Challenge Series for EDF explained: "Crowdsourcing is a promising new tool for companies to find innovative solutions, faster and less expensively." Read More U.S. to Track E-Waste and Increase Recycling An international project that will try to track discarded mobile phones, TVs and other e-waste coming from the U.S. has been launched to help to help recycle materials including gold and rare earths, as well as to protect human health. Undercover Investigations into E-Waste Smuggling As part of this approach, the Environmental Investigation Agency has recently embarked on its most thorough investigation to date into the illegal e-waste smuggling business. Global E-Waste Market to Grow amid Tighter Regulation In 2010 the e-waste Reuse and Recycling market value totalled close to $6.8 billion, and will continue to grow for at least a decade despite tighter regulations. Free Magazine Subscription Free Email Newsletter