ISRI completes acquisition of the International Association of Electronics Recyclers

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) announced it has 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 a 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.

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.

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

• An Electronics Recycling SUMMIT will be held in conjunction with the annual ISRI Convention.
• The IAER Monthly Newsletter will continue for at least one year.
• The 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.
• The IAER website content will be transferred to ISRI’s website.