DEDICATED TO ETHICAL, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIPS

It is Cascade’s goal to establish ethical, mutually beneficial partnerships with our downstream processors. We value these partnerships because in the course of processing and demanufacturing electronic equipment, there are components and hazardous materials that are better suited to outside contractors who have expertise in handling them. As a certified e-Stewards recycler, it is imperative that Cascade not only guarantees that we are safely and responsibly managing electronic waste but we’re also verifying that all our recycling partners are upholding these rigorous standards. This approach helps us carry out our mission of eliminating improper disposal of hazardous e-waste in developing countries and preventing processing that poses risks to human health and the environment.

APPROVAL PROCESS

All of our downstream processors that handle hazardous electronic waste or problematic components and materials are evaluated against our business requirements. We also perform on-site audits to verify compliance. The questions we ask include the following:

• Are any materials exported throughout any part of the recycling chain?
• Can evidence be provided that all exports/imports/country transitions are done legally?
• Are any reuse/refurbishment activities outsourced to another processor?
• Are any data security services conducted (for example: hard drive sanitization)?
• Is prison labor or child labor used anywhere in the recycling chain?
• Can/will you provide proof of insurance and required permits?
• Can/will you provide shipping records upon request for confirmation of transfer of commodities to declared downstream processors, if applicable?
• Can/will you assist Cascade in acquiring audit materials for downstream processors? (Cascade needs the basic information described above for all facilities in the recycling chain.)
• Do you have any relevant certifications (e-Stewards, ISO 9001, NAID AAA, R2, etc.)?

Cascade is ISO 14001 and e-Stewards certified. We also follow the requirements for NAID Certification. We expect all processors and partners under contract with us to meet the applicable requirements of these standards, though they need not be certified in these standards themselves. To learn more about our management systems, we invite you to review our Standards and Certifications.