Sustainability audit: how electronic waste fails companies without prior notice

Contextualization of Sustainability Auditing

Sustainability audits have become essential for evaluating compliance with environmental and social standards related to electronic waste disposal. Adherence to current legislation prevents legal risks and preserves the institutional image.

Applicable Legislation and Impact of Electronic Waste Disposal

Law No. 12,305/2010 establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), which defines principles for the proper management of electronic waste, ensuring a sustainable life cycle. According to SINIR (National Information System on Solid Waste Management), electronic equipment must be disposed of responsibly to avoid environmental damage and audit failures.

Main Reasons for Audit Failures

Audits detect issues such as improper disposal, incomplete documentation, lack of contracts with certified providers, and failures in reverse logistics. Such non-compliances are investigated based on environmental regulations and can result in immediate failures without prior notice, negatively impacting sustainability certification performance.

Importance of Secure Electronic Waste Collection

To mitigate risks, it is indispensable to use specialized services for electronic waste collection. This process is fundamental for meeting legal requirements and environmental control, covering everything from storage to proper final disposal.

Secure Sanitization of Hard Drives and Media

Data protection is another critical aspect during electronic waste management. The secure sanitization of hard drives and media ensures data integrity, preventing leaks and enabling compliance with the General Data Protection Law (Law No. 13,709/2018).

Recommendations for Efficient Electronic Waste Management

Implementing internal policies aligned with legislation, hiring certified providers, and maintaining auditable records are recommended practices to avoid failures. Specialized consultancy and adherence to the PNRS, as well as specific standards, are crucial for success in audits.

Final Considerations

Sustainability audits do not tolerate inadequate practices in electronic waste disposal. Ignorance or negligence may result in failures without prior notice, with severe legal and reputational consequences. Compliance must be a priority to maintain institutional integrity and meet current legal requirements.