While millions of Americans are doing everything they can to get the latest electronics, billions of discarded devices lie waiting to become truly obsolete in dusty basements everywhere. Some are lucky enough to get donated to charities that resell them to people who can’t afford the latest and greatest. But most, about 75% of the e-waste America generates, wind up in landfills. The toxic metals then mix with the liquids and can easily find their way back into the water supply. Meanwhile, circuit boards in public toilets are stripped for their precious metals, while the majority of offshore electronics recycling is done with little regard for health and safety. Don’t take my word for it, read the ILO’s paper on the subject.
How’s that for a cheery Christmas tale? Well, thankfully it doesn’t end there. That was just the beginning of Isidore’s story, which as they tell it:
Founded by Kabira Stokes in 2011, Isidore Electronics Recycling provides electronic recycling services to Los Angeles residents, businesses and governmental organizations while functioning as an on-the-job training and employment program for previously incarcerated Angelenos who face barriers to employment. Isidore is a full service electronics recycler offering recycling, data destruction and reselling services. Operating out of the community of Chinatown, Isidore is a woman-owned Limited Liability Corporation operating as a triple bottom line social enterprise.
You may have read about her here, when we covered the Women in Green Forum. Kabira spoke at the Cleantech LA Global Showcase the same day they announced Isidore’s membership in the LA Cleantech Incubator. This is very exciting news for this startup, and the future of e-waste, and the 30% of Americans with criminal records. Here’s our video of that presentation:
Isidore Recycling is ready for your e-waste…
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