Home ISRI News  ISRI Welcomes International Association of Electronics Recyclers Members

January 14, 2009

ISRI Welcomes International Association of Electronics Recyclers Members

ISRI announced Jan. 14 that it completed its acquisition of the assets of the International Association of Electronics Recyclers (IAER).  

ISRI membership has been extended to all IAER members who qualify for ISRI membership. As a welcome gesture, these members will join ISRI at IAER dues levels through year-end 2009, including one complimentary membership in an ISRI chapter. ISRI's membership year is based on a calendar year while IAER's membership was based on the anniversary of the member's join date. ISRI will be transitioning IAER members to a calendar year schedule by providing credit for any remaining months of their IAER membership and invoicing members for the remainder, equaling the old IAER member rate.

For those companies that do not qualify for ISRI membership (e.g. not-for-profit organizations), ISRI will refund a portion of the IAER dues for any remaining period after the transition. ISRI will also work to create a vehicle to continue to engage all stakeholders that are interested and involved in electronics recycling.

"This acquisition unifies the voice of the electronics recycling industry, strengthens ISRI's Electronics Division, and substantially increases the resources and services available to IAER members," said ISRI President Robin Wiener.  "We are thrilled to welcome our newest ISRI members.

"ISRI has long recognized the great strides and accomplishments reached by the IAER. By unifying the voice of our associations, we will all be stronger. With combined resources, our educational and training programs will be more robust and valuable. Our advocacy efforts will be united as one in Congress, the states and abroad. Together, we can truly strengthen this industry and help the electronics recycling industry realize its full potential."

ISRI has already taken numerous steps to ensure that IAER members and electronic recyclers retain a strong voice inside ISRI, including the creation of a new ISRI Electronics Division, with three permanent seats for electronics recyclers on the ISRI Board of Directors. The new division gives electronics recyclers a governance platform on par with other segments of the recycling industry.  The new division will establish its own committees and task forces, develop  policy, and elect its own leaders.

The division will integrate IAER's Certified Electronics Recycler ® program into ISRI's Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS) program. The RIOS Certified Electronics Recycler program will provide a "one-stop shop" for electronics recyclers, recognize and reward responsible recyclers, and elevate the entire industry's image. "IAER members' entry into the new ISRI Electronics Division will only make it stronger," stated Wiener.

ISRI will continue to offer the following programs and services targeting the electronics recycling industry:

• Electronics Recycling SUMMIT® will be held in conjunction with the annual ISRI Convention
• IAER Monthly Newsletter will continue for at least one year
• IAER Electronics Recycling Industry Report® will be continued by ISRI, but the form and content will be determined by ISRI and the ISRI Electronics Division
• IAER Web site content (as appropriate) will be transferred to ISRI’s Web site.

"We are pleased at this opportunity to unite our two organizations and anticipate great outcomes for all stakeholders," stated ISRI Chair George Adams. "We look forward to bringing even greater attention and resources to the rapidly emerging electronics recycling industry."

Anyone with questions concerning the acquisition/transition should contact Eric Harris at 202/662-8514 or ericharris@isri.org. Anyone interested in joining ISRI's new Electronics Division should contact Amy Carey at 202/662-8538 or amycarey@isri.org.