Electronic Recyclers International CEO Addresses International CES Show in Las Vegas on Subject of ‘e-waste’

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--John S. Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation’s leading recycler of electronics, was featured as a panelist at the 2009 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

As part of CES’ panel discussion on “Technology and the Environment,” Shegerian argued that it is now “far too late to sweep this problem under the rug” and urged his fellow industry leaders to work with legislators on a global level to establish effective systems to correctly dispose of the massive amounts of unwanted electronics currently flooding the waste stream.

He also explained the mounting environmental problems internationally -- caused by the glut of our and other nations’ e-waste, as well as the impending February 17^th digital switchover and the greater volumes of electronic waste it will create.

The well-attended panel discussion focused on the groundbreaking programs designed to help consumers make responsible recycling decisions, including what to do with analog TVs. Alex Pham, Technology Writer for the Los Angeles Times, served as moderator and asked the panelists to discuss what manufacturers, consumers and retailers can learn from programs in other parts of the world and how interested parties work together.

Joining Shegerian and Pham on the panel were John Godfrey, Vice President, Government & Public Affairs for Samsung Information Systems America, Inc.; Paula Prahl, Senior Vice President, Communications, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility for Best Buy; Jade Van Doren, CEO and Co-Founder of TechForward; and Sanjeev Gandhi, Technical Director, Consumer Products for SGS Group.

“It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this prestigious panel here at the largest and most important electronics show in the word,” said Shegerian. “It’s very encouraging to see so many of the top manufacturers, retailers and electronics industry leaders proactively engaged in becoming sustainable – for everyone’s benefit. Electronic waste is certainly a challenge with dramatic global environmental and human rights implications, but with very real solutions. It’s exciting, too, to share the stage with amazing global brands as well as growing innovators – all taking proactive measures to help solve the e-waste problem. The ‘Green Revolution’ is here to stay – permanently. And we are proud to be a part of it.”

Now the largest recycler of electronic waste in the world, Fresno-headquartered Electronic Recyclers is licensed to de-manufacture and recycle televisions, computer monitors, computers, and other types of electronic equipment. ERI processes more than 140 million pounds of electronic waste annually. For more information about e-waste recycling and Electronic Recyclers, call 1-800-RECYCLING or visit http://www.electronicrecyclers.com.