# EPA and GSA visit an “urban mine” to highlight growing Colorado jobs sector - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/epa-gsa-urban-electronics-electronic-jobs/ - Published: 2011-10-22T22:30:23-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy As the largest recycler of electronics or electronic waste in the US, Fresno-headquartered Electronic Recyclers International is licensed to de-manufacture and recycle televisions, computer monitors, computers and other types of electronic equipment. ## E-Waste ERI processes more than 120 million pounds of electronics or electronic waste annually at locations in California, Washington, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, [Texas](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/big-real-green-energy-producer-buys-texas-company-green-mountain-energy/) and North Carolina. For more information visit: [http://www.electronicrecyclers.com](https://eridirect.com/) ![Electronic devices](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/ 03/Electronic-devices-pixabay-photo.jpg?resize=300%2C206&quality=52&ssl=1) ### Government Tour That is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. General Services Administration, and the State of Colorado toured a Denver electronics recycler. All as part of the Obama Administration’s strategy to promote job creation. For that’s the responsible recycling of electronics products.  You see, the federal government is the nation’s largest single consumer of electronics. For that’s purchasing about $85 billion of information technology annually. All of which $14 billion is for equipment. ### By some estimates, the federal government disposes of 10,000 computers every week. The visit to my friend John Sherigan’s Electronic Recyclers International facility. For it featured a behind-the-scenes look at the recovery of precious and [rare earth metals](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/rare-earth-metals-market-worth-192000-tons-by-2018/). In addition and other valuable materials from used electronics. For that’s such as computers, monitors, televisions and cell phones. ### E-Stewards and R2 As the first company in the world to achieve dual certification under both the E- Stewards and R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification programs, ERI operates its Denver facility in accordance with the most stringent standards in the [electronics recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/keep-on-cycling-environmental-health-and-psychological-benefits/) industry. The company, based in California, employs 475 people nationwide, including 25 in Colorado. The company has doubled in size over the past year and anticipates continued growth. #### Generate Millions of Tons of Electronics Every year, Americans generate almost 2.5 million tons of used electronics. All of which are made from valuable resources such as precious metals and rare earth materials, as well as plastic and glass. During the event, Shegerian discussed the tremendous promise of “urban mining,” a term he coined to describe the recovery of precious metals and other valuable materials from electronics products as opposed to extracting minerals and other raw materials from the ground. Reusing and recycling discarded electronics helps the environment by saving energy and keeping hazardous materials out of landfills.  More information on the EPA, the national strategy and industry collaboration: [http://www.epa.gov/electronicsstrategy](http://www.epa.gov/electronicsstrategy) More information on GSA’s electronic stewardship goals and promoting federal agencies’ purchasing Environmentally Preferable Products: [http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/234565](http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/234565) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)