The e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment  is a comprehensive set of performance requirements created specifically for the electronics recycling and asset recovery industries, set into the framework of  the global environmental management system standard known as ISO 14001. The standard is the basis for the accredited e-Stewards certification program and was developed in a multi-stakeholder process with experts and leaders in related fields.

Written for international use, the e-Stewards Standard is consistent with:

• international waste trade laws

• social accountability standards

• data privacy requirements of customers

• environmental and health & safety management system norms

ISO 14001 is fully integrated into the e-Stewards Standard, resulting in dual certification to both ISO 14001 and the e-Stewards Standard in one audit process.

Purpose of e-Stewards:

• Prohibits all toxic waste from being disposed of in solid waste landfills and incinerators.

• Requires full compliance with existing international hazardous waste laws and treaties for exports and imports of electronics, and specifically prohibits the export of hazardous waste to developing countries.

• Prohibits use of prison labor in the recycling of toxic electronics, which often have sensitive data embedded.

• Requires extensive baseline protections for and monitoring of recycling workers in every country, including developed nations where toxic exposures are routinely taking place.