John S. Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation’s leading recycler of electronic waste, discussed the issue of sustainability in recycling electronic waste and the tremendous global potential created by the “tsunami” of electronics entering the waste stream today at the fourth annual World Recycling Forum at the Hotel Shangri-La in Shanghai, China.

In a presentation titled “Sustainability and the Green Revolution Gone Global,” Shegerian discussed how the world of recycling electronics has grown over the last five years and provided a forecast for the future. He explained how the recycling of electronic waste will continue to be a booming sector of the industry, but that for it to last, recycling of electronics must be performed responsibly and with an eye toward sustainability.

“At ERI, we are presently the number one recycler of electronics in the US and we have a global vision of expanding what we’ve done there to other countries, including the great nation of China,” said Shegerian. “Electronic waste – the fastest growing waste stream in the world today – can be recycled anywhere in the world thanks to technologically efficient and environmentally responsible methodologies such as those we have been using in the US. China, where there is the greatest concentration of recycling in the world today, represents a tremendous green business opportunity.”

“It’s an honor to have been asked by the organizers of this terrific international conference and exhibition to come here today and discuss electronic recycling and the green revolution that is capturing interest around the globe,” added Shegerian. “Sustainability is an essential part of the global business infrastructure and very much here to stay. For ERI, my being here at this conference alongside my prestigious fellow speakers serves as a precursor for our international expansion in the coming months and years.”

Shegerian spoke of the potential for economic growth in China and all over the world whenever the “Green is Good” concept and the burgeoning international green collar workforce are embraced.