Back to Nortel and the Environment

Nortel has been recovering, re-using and recycling electronic waste (e-waste) in Canada since 1939. Further Investment Recovery Centers (IRC) have been in operation in the United States since 1987 and in Europe since 1994. The IRCs collect, manage and sort material for re-use and recycling. Nortel approved recyclers ensure that waste is appropriately disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Environmental Position Statements of Compliance Design for Environment Energy Use of Products Hazardous Materials Declarations of Conformity Packaging End-of-Life Management Electromagnetic Radiation Management of Suppliers Nortel Banned and Restricted Substance List

Once recovered, equipment is predominantly used for spares, or resale of individual components. Depending upon the value and usability of the equipment, some products or sub-assemblies are remanufactured and offered for sale to authorized Nortel distributors and customers. Equipment that cannot be reused or refurbished is recycled.


The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive in Europe requires manufacturers and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment to recover their products at end-of-life and dispose of them in an environmentally sound manner. In other jurisdictions, such as the United States and Japan, governments are considering similar legislation.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive (2002/95/EC) is now enforce in the European Union (EU) and has established legal requirements for management of e-waste. Nortel has internal processes to meet the demands of the WEEE Directive and has registered in EU countries where it is considered to be a 'Producer'. All products sold in the EU are marked with the WEEE symbol, and technical information for recyclers on Nortel product is available.

Nortel works with customers developing and implementing end-of-life management services. For historical e-waste (product placed on the market prior to August 15th 2005), Nortel will recover e-waste when subject to like for like sales of new equipment as required by local legislation. For all other historical e-waste, Nortel will work with customers to ensure proper disposal of e-waste.

Further legislation regarding e-waste is developing around the world. Nortel is tracking and putting in place processes for compliance as necessary.

For customers wishing to return equipment to Nortel or learn more about our programs, please contact us at enviro@nortel.com.