Broken Tech Gets Second Life

Local electronics recycler commits to finding a responsible solution to the growing electronic waste problem.

Electronic materials after mechanical shredding.

Over the last several decades the electronics industry has undergone a growth spurt second to none. Each year companies find new ways to refresh their present products or recreate them in the form of new models, keeping consumer demand high and people buying. That coupled with the short life span of products means that everyday millions of new electronics are introduced and millions of others are retired.

Unlike most individuals and companies who are interested in having the latest and greatest technology, E-Structors, Inc. only wants what others don’t.

Founded in 2003, the Elkridge based electronics recycler has provided their clients with environmentally compliant recycling and secure information destruction services. During that time they have grown to become the leading electronics recycling facility in the Mid-Atlantic, recycling over 22 million lbs. of material each year.

No matter what the item is, E-Structors has a solution put in place for it. Their ultimate goal is to maximize the environmental benefits from each item.

A broken laptop awaiting repair.

Items such as computers, laptops, and tablets will be taken to E-Structors’ test and refurbishment division, where their information will be destroyed and an attempt will be made to repair the device. Items too old or specialized for repair will enter into a material recovery process, where workers will recover raw materials through mechanical and hand dismantling techniques.

After processing, all electronics and electronic materials will be sent out for reuse or recycling, with none of their dangerous byproducts ever entering the waste stream.

Their practices and policies have not gone unnoticed. This past year E-Structors received the Maryland Green Registry Leadership Award for the diversion of electronic waste from local area landfills and for finding ways to minimize their own organizations impact.
To Julie Keough these awards do not mark the end achievement of her company’s goals. “When it comes to social responsibility, there is always room for additional improvement.”

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To view their green registry profile and learn more about their business practices, visit their Business Profile or their Leadership Award Profile on Maryland Green Registry.

To learn more information about E-Structors, Inc., please visit their Home Page.

To learn more about the Maryland Green Registry visit their homepage.