How AVID is Building a Warehouse Network That Delivers Results
Every April, Earth Day reminds us to think about sustainability and the impact we have on the planet. But one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges often gets overlooked. Electronic waste.
What many people do not realize is that e-waste is not just an environmental issue. It is also a supply chain issue, a public health concern, and a growing threat to America’s ability to stay competitive in technology.
To better understand the problem and what can be done, we spoke with Steven Napoli, CEO and President of TERRA. In this Q&A, he shares insights on why electronics recycling matters, how AVID customers can take action, and why more brands need to step up.
Start Recycling Today
Do not let old devices sit in storage or end up in a landfill. Recycle your headphones, headsets, and earbuds for free through AVID’s “Done With It” program.
Q&A with Steven Napoli
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TERRA AND AVID?
The TERRA x AVID partnership has been ongoing for approximately three years. It helps facilitate the recycling of AVID headsets through TERRA’s “Done With It” program. The partnership began when both organizations were working with Digitunity, a nonprofit focused on providing technology access to those in need.
HOW DOES THE RECYCLING PROGRAM WORK FOR AVID CUSTOMERS
TERRA’s program allows AVID customers to request a prepaid shipping label
online. From there, they can send in used headphones, headsets, and earbuds
from any brand to certified recycling facilities. In 2025, AVID customers have already recycled 793 lbs of headsets. Request your shipping label and get started.
RECYCLE IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS
1. Request a prepaid shipping label
2. Pack your unused devices
3. Ship them to a certified recycling facility
That is it. TERRA handles the rest responsibly and securely.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING INDUSTRY?
I had a friend who was stepping in as interim CEO at an electronics recycling
company. He told me about pursuing R2 certification* and how it could open
new opportunities. What stood out was that everywhere they went, they had to
explain what certification meant. Most customers had never heard of it.
That is when it clicked for me. The electronics recycling industry has a
marketing and education problem. People do not understand what responsible
recycling looks like or why it matters.
*R2 certification is the leading globally recognized set of standards for responsible and ethical electronics recycling. It ensures facilities prioritize environmental protection, data security, and worker safety when managing electronic waste. e-Stewards Certification is another high standard for ethical and innovative electronics recycling worldwide.
Electronics make up just 2% of waste, but account for 70% of toxic materials released into the environment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RECYCLING ELECTRONICS?
About 98 percent of all electronic material that enters a certified recycling facility gets reused. That is an incredible number compared to other waste streams.
All TERRA partners are either R2 or e-Stewards certified. These certifications ensure that materials are handled responsibly, data is protected, and environmental standards are met throughout the recycling process.
The Hidden Impact of E-Waste
Electronics may only account for 2 percent of total waste, but they are
responsible for nearly 70 percent of the toxic materials in landfills.
These toxins can contaminate water, soil, and even food sources. Some
materials used in electronics have been linked to neurological issues and other
long-term health risks.
At the same time, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. It is expected to double by 2050.
About 98% of material entering
certified recycling is reused.
WHY IS RECYCLING IMPORTANT BEYOND THE ENVIRONMENT?
Recycling electronics is also about protecting valuable resources and
strengthening supply chains.
Materials like copper can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality. When
electronics are thrown away, those materials are lost. That increases the need
for new mining and contributes to supply shortages.
Recovering these materials helps reduce dependency on limited resources and supports continued innovation in technology.
YOU MENTIONED RECYCLING RATES ARE LOW. WHY IS THAT?
Awareness is a major challenge. Many people simply do not know where or how to recycle electronics responsibly.
Recycling access also varies widely across the United States. Some states have strong programs and funding in place, while others have limited or no infrastructure. This makes it difficult to create a consistent national approach.
WHAT MADE YOU PERSONALLY CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE?
Years ago, my daughter was sorting recycling at home and asked what to do
with a broken phone. I did not have an answer.
That moment stuck with me. We are teaching the next generation to care about the environment, but we are not giving them the tools to handle one of the fastest-growing waste problems in the world.
That is what pushed me to learn more and start educating others
WHY SHOULD MORE BRANDS CARE ABOUT ELECTRONICS RECYCLING?
If a problem is not discussed, people are unlikely to recognize it exists. Without
education, many do not realize that disposing of electronics in the trash can
cause harm.
The electronics recycling industry also has a communication gap, especially
around certifications like e-Stewards and R2 Standard, which are essential to
responsible recycling.
There is a clear need for more education and stronger sustainability
commitments from brands through certified recycling partnerships.
TERRA has grown to 130 certified facilities across 11 countries in just six
years, reflecting the increasing need and momentum for responsible recycling
solutions.
The electronics recycling industry has a sales and marketing problem.
Partner with TERRA
Are you a manufacturer, reseller, or organization looking to offer responsible recycling?
Work with TERRA to build a program that helps your customers recycle electronics the right way.
Learn more: https://www.jointerra.org/
Take Action This Earth Day
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing global challenges. It is also one of the most solvable.
With the right tools and partnerships, schools, businesses, and individuals can turn old technology into new opportunity.
