Total Traceability in Electronic Waste: Technologies and Indicators That Validate ESG Audits

Introduction to Traceability in Electronic Waste

Total traceability in electronic waste is a fundamental requirement to ensure compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, as well as to guarantee the proper management of electronic waste, as established by the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010).

Technologies Used in Electronic Waste Traceability

The use of advanced technologies has promoted efficiency in monitoring and controlling electronic disposal. Highlighted are:

• Blockchain: A distributed system that ensures the immutability of records, allowing the secure validation of information related to the life cycle of electronic equipment and its disposal.
• Integrated Management Systems (SGI): Specialized platforms that record the movement of waste, integrating collection, transportation, treatment, and final destination stages, in accordance with the requirements of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), as established by Decree No. 10,936/2022.
• RFID and QR Code Labeling: Allow individual identification of electronic components and equipment, facilitating real-time tracking throughout the disposal process.
• Environmental Audit Software: Specific applications that manage environmental compliance indicators, enabling the generation of technical and evidentiary reports for ESG audits.

Indicators that Validate ESG Audits

To ensure the efficiency and transparency of electronic disposal practices, specific indicators must be monitored, such as:

• Traceability Rate: Percentage of controlled waste producing auditable records.
• Average Processing Time: Time elapsed between collection and final destination of waste, ensuring agility and compliance with regulatory deadlines.
• Legal Compliance: Percentage of materials disposed of following the rules of Law No. 12,305/2010 and related regulations, such as resolutions from the National Environment Council (CONAMA).
• Safe Sanitization Index: Measure indicating the percentage of media (hard drives, drives) subjected to cleaning and secure disposal processes, according to best practices recommended by the NIST SP 800-88 standard.
• Reduction of Environmental Impacts: Assessment of the volume of electronic waste sent for recycling versus inappropriate final disposal.

Importance of Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Brazilian legislation, especially Law No. 12,305/2010 and Decree No. 10,936/2022, establishes clear obligations for the management and tracking of electronic waste. Moreover, SINIR (sinir.gov.br) requires detailed information provision, which must be proven in external audits, making the use of the aforementioned technologies essential to guarantee transparency and security.

Challenges and Solutions for Complete Traceability

The main challenges involve data integrity, interoperability between systems, and waste control at all stages. The adoption of technological solutions such as blockchain, combined with the training of involved professionals and strict compliance with environmental standards, is essential to overcome these difficulties.

Collection and Sanitization: Essential Procedures

Proper electronic waste collection is the initial point to ensure total traceability. Likewise, when it comes to the secure disposal of media such as hard drives, safe sanitization is indispensable to protect sensitive data and meet legal and corporate requirements.

Conclusion

Implementing total traceability in electronic waste is essential to validate ESG audits, ensure regulatory compliance, and minimize environmental impacts. The integrated use of digital technologies and precise indicators enables transparency and efficiency in the management of electronic waste in Brazil.