Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-Waste Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

The E-Waste Coordinator is a critical operational role at the intersection of logistics, environmental compliance, and technology asset management. You will be the central point of contact for orchestrating the entire lifecycle of retired electronic assets, from initial client collection to final disposition through certified recycling or refurbishment channels. This position ensures that all processes adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility, data security (like NIST and HIPAA), and regulatory compliance (including R2 and e-Stewards). The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about making a tangible impact on corporate sustainability goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator or Assistant
Warehouse Associate or Lead
Environmental Technician

Advancement To:

E-Waste Program Manager
IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Manager
Sustainability Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Coordinator
Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Coordinate and schedule the logistics for collecting electronic waste from various client sites, ensuring timely and efficient pickups and transportation.
Manage and maintain meticulous inventory records of all incoming and outgoing electronic assets, tracking items by type, weight, brand, serial number, and condition using an inventory management system.
Ensure all e-waste handling, storage, and transportation activities are in strict compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations (EPA) and industry certifications (R2, e-Stewards).
Oversee the secure data sanitization and physical destruction of all data-bearing devices according to NIST 800-88 standards and client-specific requirements, issuing Certificates of Data Destruction.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing inquiries regarding scheduling, reporting, compliance, and service status in a professional and timely manner.
Prepare, verify, and manage all shipping and receiving documentation, including bills of lading, manifests, packing lists, and other necessary paperwork for domestic and international shipments.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with downstream recycling and refurbishment vendors, conducting due diligence and periodic audits to ensure their compliance and performance.
Evaluate, sort, and grade incoming electronic equipment to determine the optimal disposition path—resale, refurbishment, parts harvesting, or recycling—to maximize value recovery.
Generate and present detailed reports on key performance indicators, including collection volumes, recycling rates, material flow, value recovery, and environmental impact metrics for management review.
Conduct on-site client assessments to evaluate their e-waste streams and recommend tailored collection strategies and service level agreements.
Collaborate closely with the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) department to develop, implement, and enforce safe handling procedures for all electronic materials.
Manage the inventory of essential operational supplies, such as pallets, collection bins, gaylord boxes, and packing materials, ensuring availability to meet operational demands.
Troubleshoot and resolve logistical exceptions, such as shipping delays, discrepancies in shipments, or transportation issues, to minimize operational disruptions.

Secondary Functions

Support the sales and account management teams by providing operational insights and logistical feasibility for new client proposals and contracts.
Stay current with evolving e-waste regulations, new recycling technologies, and industry best practices to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Participate in internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation, process walkthroughs, and operational data.
Assist in developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of the e-waste management process, from collection to final reporting.
Contribute to corporate sustainability initiatives by providing data and insights on waste diversion, carbon footprint reduction, and circular economy contributions.
Train new team members and warehouse staff on proper sorting, grading, and handling procedures for various types of electronic equipment.
Perform physical tasks as needed, including the manual sorting, testing, and dismantling of electronic devices and operating material handling equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of environmental regulations (EPA, DOT) and industry standards such as R2, e-Stewards, and NAID.
Logistics Coordination: Proven experience in coordinating transportation, scheduling pickups/deliveries, and managing shipping documentation (Bills of Lading).
Inventory Management: Proficiency with Inventory Management Systems (IMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), or ERP software to track assets.
Data Security Protocols: Familiarity with data sanitization standards and processes, specifically NIST 800-88 guidelines.
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and creating tracking spreadsheets.
Hardware Identification: Ability to identify a wide range of IT equipment, including servers, networking gear, laptops, and their core components.
Material Handling: Experience or certification in operating material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and dock levelers is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Organization: Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail is critical for accurate inventory tracking, compliance documentation, and reporting.
Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful problem-solver who can effectively troubleshoot logistical, client, and operational challenges.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear and professional interaction with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
Client & Vendor Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with external partners and clients.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science or Studies
Supply Chain Management & Logistics
Business Administration
Sustainability

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of professional experience in logistics, supply chain, environmental services, recycling operations, or a related field.

Preferred:

Direct experience within the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) or electronics recycling industry.
Experience working in an environment certified to R2 and/or e-Stewards standards.