BAN Declares Changes to e-Stewards Certification

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Basel Action Network (BAN) has announced temporary change to its standard, allowing for sales and shipments of weaker batteries into the domestic market. The change is on account of rapid rise in telecommuting in connection with COVID-19 outbreak. The change, initially in effect for a period of four months, will allow e-waste recyclers and ITAD service providers to sell and ship weaker batteries.

For this, the battery must be visibly intact and should not show any outward sign of malfunction. The test results must be labelled on the equipment. The batteries should complete a circuit when deployed, thus enabling the device to operate under AC power. Efforts should be made to ensure that the equipment is not sold into foreign markets. Also, the device must be accompanied by an inserted note that informs the customer where to recycle the old battery upon replacement.

ALSO READ:

e-Stewards Publishes Latest Version of its Ethical Electronics Reuse and Recycling Standard

Top Battery Recycling States Revealed on National Battery Day

Jim Puckett, executive director of BAN noted that the standard’s normal restraints prevent offshoring of weak batteries, which in turn may hinder progress, especially during times when equipment pickups are halted and demand for work-from-home and second-hand devices are at peak. The temporary change will help the community at large and also the e-Stewards community, he added.