Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): E-waste Collection and Disposal

Introduction to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Collection and Disposal of E-waste

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the collection and disposal of e-waste aims to ensure safe and environmentally responsible practices in the handling of obsolete or damaged electronic equipment. Correct execution of the SOP reduces environmental impacts and complies with current legislation, as set out in the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010).

Official Legislation and Guidelines for E-waste Management

The management of electronic waste is regulated mainly by Law No. 12.305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy, as well as by Decree No. 10.936/2022. According to the legislation, improper disposal of electronic equipment can cause contamination by heavy metals and toxic substances present in the components.

It is essential to follow the guidelines of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), available at sinir.gov.br, for monitoring and compliance with environmental standards.

Structure of the SOP for E-waste Collection and Disposal

The SOP should cover everything from planning, collection, temporary storage, transportation to the final destination of electronic waste. The documentation must describe in detail the procedures for identifying, segregating and packaging equipment in accordance with current legislation and applicable technical standards.

Procedure for Collecting Electronic Equipment

Every collection operation must involve trained professionals and suitable equipment to ensure physical and environmental integrity. It is recommended to use the service of an authorized third-party waste collector, which allows scheduling and guarantees traceability of the waste from its origin to its final destination.

Storage and Transportation of Equipment

Collected electronic equipment must be stored in specific, covered and isolated areas, with adequate ventilation to avoid environmental damage. Transportation must follow the rules of CETESB and other regulatory bodies, ensuring safety and traceability, avoiding leaks or contamination during transportation.

Safe Disposal of Hard Drives and Electronic Media

The exclusion of sensitive data must be guaranteed through the process of sanitizing electronic media, as guided by NIST Special Publication 800-88. For the secure disposal of hard drives, it is recommended to use specialized services for physical destruction or certified data wiping procedures offered at secure hard drive disposal, guaranteeing the protection of institutional information.

Final Disposal and Recycling

Electronic waste must be sent to licensed facilities for recycling or environmentally appropriate disposal, in accordance with Decree 10.936/2022 and state regulations such as CETESB. It is mandatory to keep records of the processes and certificates issued, reinforcing transparency and legal compliance.

Continuous Monitoring and Training

The effectiveness of the SOP depends on the constant training of those involved in the collection and disposal processes, as well as the periodic monitoring of the practices adopted. The analysis of performance indicators contributes to continuous improvements and compliance with environmental legislation.

Final Considerations

Adopting a structured SOP based on official legislation is essential for the responsible management of electronic waste. Compliance with the guidelines ensures legal compliance, environmental protection and mitigation of risks linked to information security.