HP Clarifies Policy on Export of Electronic Waste to Developing Countries

PALO ALTO, Calif., HP today clarified its global corporate policy on banning exports of nonworking electronics to developing countries, in support of efforts to prevent the unacceptable and unauthorized dumping of electronic waste (e-waste).

HP has a long-standing commitment to responsibly manage end-of-life products through final disposition. HP’s vendor requirements for hardware reuse and recycling, originally published in 2004, include a ban on the export of hazardous or regulated materials from developed to developing countries (sections 9.4 and 11.3, respectively). The global corporate policy affirms the company’s commitment to meet the requirements of the Basel Convention on the control of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

HP’s e-waste export policy contains the company’s commitment to responsibly dispose of all e-waste generated by HP’s global operations and take-back programs. HP’s vendor requirements for hardware reuse and recycling previously stated:

* No prison or child labor will be used;
* Every reasonable effort will be made to control all electronic waste and prevent it from entering landfills or incinerators; and
* All exports and imports of electronic waste handled by HP and its authorized vendors will comply with existing international waste trade agreements and legal requirements.

The requirements have now been updated to include the following:

* HP does not permit electronic waste to be exported from developed (member) countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) to developing (non-OECD/EU) countries, either directly or through intermediaries.

E-waste processed by HP and its authorized vendors is tracked and documented throughout the entire chain of custody until final disposition. HP audits its recycling, refurbishment and processing vendors annually to ensure they conform to its vendor requirements for hardware reuse and recycling and supply chain social and environmental responsibility (SER) policies.

HP defines e-waste as nonworking parts or devices; this does not include:

* Materials defined as nonhazardous under the Basel Convention;
* Working equipment and parts that are not intended for disposal or recycling, but are for donation, reuse or resale;
* Components being returned to the original equipment manufacturer that are under warranty; and
* Materials to be used in manufacturing that do not require further processing or preparation.

Additional details on HP’s leadership in product reuse and recycling are included in the company’s annual Global Citizenship Report and at www.hp.com/environment.

HP and the environment

For decades HP has been an environmental leader, driving company stewardship through its HP Eco Solutions program, which spans product design, reuse and recycling as well as energy and resource efficiency. HP influences industry action by setting high environmental standards in its operations and supply chain, by providing practical solutions to make it easier for customers to reduce their climate impact and through its research on sustainability solutions that support a low-carbon economy. More information is available at www.hp.com/ecosolutions.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.