Updated on September 10, 2021 by Webmaster
Washington DC, USA – September 10, 2021
To expand the important role of the International E-Waste Management Network (IEMN) supporting national environmental agencies in the global drive towards a circular economy and electronics sustainability, SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International) has volunteered to be the Network’s Secretariat.
Originally established in 2011 as a joint effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the Environmental Protection Administration Taiwan (EPAT), IEMN is a community where national environmental agencies and other governmental authorities around the world come together to collaborate around the shared global e-waste challenge of today with a future vision of a more sustainable and circular economy.
Said Garth Hickle, IEMN’s Director, “There is so much that governments around the globe can learn from one another as we all confront the challenge of e-waste. As this is a global challenge, IEMN presents a global forum for peers to connect, learn, and share with one another.”
Today, SERI is probably best known as the developer of the R2 Standard and administrator of the R2 Certification program for responsible electronics reuse and recycling practices. As the world’s most adopted electronics sustainability standard, there are now over 975 R2 Certified facilities in 33 countries around the world.
Corey Dehmey, SERI’s Executive Director said, “We believe the IEMN provides a tremendous opportunity for governments around the world who are facing similar challenges to connect and support one another. And for SERI, presiding as Secretariat fits harmoniously with our passion to build a world with true electronics sustainability and a fully circular economy.”
Already in the works is the formation of a new steering committee for the Network, as well as the creation of a virtual community that will provide powerful tools for participants to interact with one another. IEMN is also in the early planning stages of an in-person annual meeting and conference for 2022.
About IEMN
IEMN (International E-Waste Management Network) is a voluntary and non-binding community of environmental regulators providing participants/participating countries opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another, both virtually and in person. In addition to peer-to-peer interactions, IEMN also creates opportunities for other stakeholders to join the conversation and provide additional perspectives and resources.
About SERI
SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in the United States with a mission is to help create a world where electronic products are reused and recycled in a way that promotes resource preservation, the well-being of the natural environment, and the health and safety of workers and communities. SERI has numerous programs working to protect the planet and enrich lives by championing sustainable actions throughout the entire electronics lifecycle.
www.sustainableelectronics.org
Contact Garth Hickle, IEMN Director for more information.