INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT-Be safe while going GREEN

Years ago as a young(er) HR Manager, I had an older, wiser mentor that used to remind me constantly to “inspect what you expect”.  I thought this was his way of driving me to micro-manage my subordinates. I scoffed at the idea of looking over everyone’s shoulder, not trusting that my team was doing what they said they were doing. Why would I believe any different? That would just add to MY workload right?

Now that I have grown older, I reflect back to the words of my mentor. He was not trying to encourage me to micro-manage nor was he trying to make my life any busier. He was teaching me a valuable lesson in Human Resource compliance – ensuring not that my team was doing their work, but completing their work in a manner that protected them, me, our organization, and our shareholders. Human Resources – much like responsible recycling – is a world of compliance, rules, regulations, laws, and most importantly – integrity.

It can be a difficult decision when deciding who to choose as your computer/electronic recycler but it doesn’t have to be.  There are two standards to look for when deciding which recycler to use – R2 (Responsible Recycling) and E-Stewards. Recyclers that have been audited to adhere to these standards will prominently display the applicable logos on their websites, business cards, etc. Proof of their adherence can also be found by searching the recyclers’ name at www.r2solutions.org. Both standards are nationally recognized for the integrity of their regulations and auditing processes. Both standards ensure that the electronics recycler has been audited for process. Neither standard however, can accurately gauge the integrity of how your materials are handled when the auditors are gone.

Again I hear the echo of my mentor’s wise words many years ago, and I understand. Inspect what you expect. It’s about protection and integrity.

I encourage you to visit your electronics recycler and ask yourself “do I feel safe with this organization handling my old hard drives? Is my information getting destroyed correctly, is the facility clean/organized, are there security cameras installed and working, do they have log in/log out procedures, is there random material scattered about the floors?”

My company, MRC Computer and Electronic Recycling, adheres both to the R2 Standard (yes – we proudly display the R2 leaf emblem on our website, business cards, etc.) and the even more valuable standard of integrity.

Give me a call or shoot me an email – I’ll put you in touch with someone who would proudly give you and your organization the opportunity to tour our facilities. Then you can decide.

Have a Great and Green 2014,

Scottie Farrow

Sales Manager/MRC Electronics Recycling

Scott@midwrc.net  / 314-623-8979