Protecting the Environment

Environmental protection means more than just following the law. It’s about doing what’s right... always. Cascade’s process is built to exceed the highest environmental standards set today by local, state, and federal governments providing our clients with the highest level of assurance for tomorrow.

Our Environmental Policy
Cascade integrates and promotes environmental sustainability and social justice in all that we do to ensure we leave the world better prepared for the needs of the future.
We do this by:

• Optimizing the resource potential of electronic assets from the time they are retired by our customers until they reach their next best use;
• Managing our business activities to enhance our company's value and vision; and,
• Committing to continual improvement, prevention or pollution and compliance with applicable environmental regulatory requirements.

Environmental Excellence
Environmental rules and regulations are rapidly changing. Companies need to be prepared for future requirements. Cascade is an industry leader in environmental stewardship and works closely with regulators, developing standards supportive of future needs.

Compliance
Complying with all federal, state, and local regulations is a top priority at Cascade. We monitor compliance issues and regularly conduct downstream compliance audits to ensure all requirements are met. We also work with customers to make sure they are aware of compliance requirements to keep their asset disposition safe and legal.

Recycling
Items bound for recycling are separated into over 50 commodity streams from aluminum to zinc-carbon batteries. This high degree of separation produces superior recovery yields.

High resale rates
A large portion of incoming equipment is refurbished for resale – extending the useful life of electronics and offsetting the demand for new equipment in some markets.  Parts from recycled machines are also harvested to repair and upgrade other machines, thereby maximizing the useful life as much as possible.

Certifications
Cascade's Environmental Management System is independently certified by Bureau Veritas and the Basel Action Network. These third party auditors provide you with additional assurance that we act to improve our environmental performance and protect the planet.

ISO 14001
Cascade’s environmental management system is ISO 14001 certified by internationally recognized audit specialists BVQI.  Our Madison, WI and Plainfield, IN facilities have successfully completed two independent surveillance audits and our headquarters was re-certified in June, 2009.

Certified Electronics Recycler
Cascade’s operations are also certified to an industry-specific standard created by the International Association of Electronics Recyclers. The standard sets requirements for environmental management, security, and health and safety programs, as well as general business stability such as closure programs, and insurance coverage.

E-Stewards Program
Cascade was among the first to sign onto the Pledge of True Stewardship demonstrating our commitment to be a responsible global citizen. As an E-Steward, we guarantee to not dump hazardous e-waste on developing countries or use prison labor to process your equipment. See Cascade's signed Pledge of True Stewardship.

Green Building
Cascade has adopted many green building features at its facilities. Take a tour and see our 100% reused carpet, incorporation of natural lighting, office furniture made from sustainable materials, and many recycled content features. Click here to view our full summary of the Madison Headquarters green building project.

Sustainable Development
Cascade is helping to build a safe and effective infrastructure for electronics recycling in Africa.  Our CEO has visited the continent twice to help build a government sponsored electronics demanufacturing center.

Resources for You
To learn more information about electronic reuse and recycling and how you can set up your own sustainability programs, select from the links below or contact us for more information.

1. Current Environmental Regulations
2. Description of Cascade's Compliance with Regulations
3. Presentations on electronic waste
4. Links to External Web Sites (news stories, environmental groups, government resources)
5. EPEAT program (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)
6. Electronics Environmental Benefit Calculator
7. E-Stewards Program