A group of socially minded e-scrap firms have joined together to help open job opportunities for people with disabilities or previous incarcerations.
The Los Angeles-based Impact Recyclers is a network of certified social enterprise e-scrap recycling companies. The network currently includes seven recycling entities – some for-profit and some nonprofit groups – with locations in California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota and New York.
The organizations employ people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and those who have been in the justice system – populations that often have a difficult time finding jobs.
Impact Recyclers will provide member organizations with business development opportunities, best practice sharing and marketing support, according to the Impact Recyclers website.
“By establishing this consolidated network, we can now provide businesses with the best solution to securely handle their IT and electronic waste needs across the country,” Impact Recyclers co-founder Mike Daniels stated in a press release. “The network model provides clients a centralized point of contact, improved efficiency and a significant social impact to help customers meet and exceed their corporate social responsibility goals.”
Current members include Blue Star Recyclers, Isidore Electronics Recycling, Merit ePartners, RecycleForce, Stanley eWaste Recyclers, Tech Dump and ReWorx Recycling. Members collectively processed 25 million pounds of electronics in 2014. All meet R2 and/or e-Stewards certification requirements, according to the press release.
Impact Recyclers is supported by REDF, an organization that provides funding and business expertise to mission-driven organizations that employ people who have difficulty finding work.