About the State Electronics Challenge

What Is the Challenge?

The State Electronics Challenge (SEC), which ran from Fall 2007 to June 30, 2022, was a free program that encouraged state, regional, tribal, and local governments, including schools and other public entities, to:

Purchase greener electronic office equipment
Reduce the impacts of computers and imaging equipment during use
Manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way

Government agencies and organizations participated as "Partners" in the program. The SEC provided Partners with resources and technical assistance for implementing best practices, and offers annual recognition to Partners that have achieved program goals.

Click here for more information on the Challenge program goals and requirements.

Which Products Did the SEC Target?

The SEC targeted office equipment, and specifically desktop and notebook computers, computer monitors, printers, copiers, and multifunction devices.

How Did the Program Work?

Eligible organizations join the Challenge as "Partners". After reviewing current activities within the organization, Partners choose one or more areas that they'd like to work on – purchasing "green" equipment, using equipment more efficiently to conserve energy and paper, or reusing and responsibly managing equipment taken out of services. The SEC Program Requirements provide Partners with an "action plan" that is put in place over the course of the calendar year. At the end of the year, Partners report on their accomplishments, and in return, receive a customized sustainability report and awards.

Who Managed & Funded the Program?

The State Electronics Challenge was managed by the Northeast Recycling Council with original fund support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and private sponsors, including Samsung, Panasonic, Sims Recycling Solutions, and the ISRI R2/RIOS program.