Chubb and ESIS, Inc. have just released a new whitepaper entitled
“Electronic Waste: Managing the Environmental and Regulatory Challenges”. The whitepaper examines the environmental and legal risks businesses expose themselves to when disposing of electronic equipment such as mobile phones, computers, telecommunications equipment, and monitors.
Pollution as a result of electronic waste (e-waste) continues to be a growing concern in the United States, and the issue has drawn the attention of federal and state regulators. “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that e-waste is growing at a rate of two to three times faster than any other regulated waste stream,” Chubb told
Insurance Business Canada.
The whitepaper was authored by Frank Westfall (Vice President Environmental – Practice Leader, ESIS Health, Safety, and Environmental), along with Jasmine Nasiri (Assistant Vice President for ESIS Health, Safety, and Environmental Consulting Services), and Steve Piatkowski (Senior Vice President, Chubb Environmental).
“Businesses need processes and practices in place to dispose of e-waste safely and minimize risk exposure. Due to the complexities of identifying, handling and disposing of e-waste, companies should work with specialists who can help develop and manage effective risk management strategies,” stated Westfall.
Among other recommendations, the whitepaper advises businesses to understand the potential hazards associated with the disposal of e-waste, consider reuse programs before tackling the disposal process, and assessing and auditing vendors that handle their e-waste.
