LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA has been recognized for responsible electronics recycling leadership by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LG received the highest-level recognition in the EPA's Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge.

Highlighting the company's dedication to environmental sustainability at CES^® 2019, William Cho, president and CEO, LG Electronics North America, applauded the EPA SMM Electronics Challenge program, which encourages responsible recycling. "By using third-party certified recyclers, we're proud to help drive the use of environmentally protective practices," he said.

The EPA's Gold Tier Award recognizes LG's significant contributions to the SMM Electronics Challenge goals by collecting a substantial amount of used electronics for reuse and recycle, sending 100 percent of used electronics to certified third-party recyclers, and publicly sharing detailed information about its electronic management practices.

According to the EPA, LG's Gold Tier SMM Challenge Award recognizes the collection and responsible recycling of more than 21,000 tons of used electronics, diverting solid waste from landfills in the past year. This avoided the equivalent of more than 55,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

"The commitment of leading companies like LG to sustainable management of electronics proves that innovative business practices and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "LG and the other participants in the Electronics Challenge saved roughly 276,000 tons of electronics from going to landfills and instead diverted it to certified recyclers." 

Supporting its commitment to responsible recycling, LG Electronics Inc. is the world's first "Global e-Stewards Enterprise." The e-Stewards standard, developed by the Basel Action Network, is the world's most rigorous certification program for electronics recyclers. It prevents the export and dumping of toxic electronic waste in developing countries and calls for safeguards to protect private data and ensure that recycling plant workers are not exposed to toxic materials.

The EPA's 2019 SMM recognition comes on the heels of LG being first to receive the EPA's 2018 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award for breakthrough technologies in super-efficient room air conditioners and LG receiving the 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence Award for leadership in developing and promoting energy efficient home appliances and consumer electronics products.

"Sustainability is a core business principle at LG Electronics, and we believe LG has a shared responsibility to protect the environment by reducing our environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for consumers. We call this 'Innovation for a Better Life,' and it means both responsible recycling and developing innovative products with the environment in mind," Cho said.

Learn more about LG's responsible electronics recycling programs and overall sustainability efforts by visiting www.lgrecyclingprogram.com/ and www.LG.com/energy-star.

About LG Electronics USA 
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $55 billion global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, mobile phones, commercial displays, air conditioning systems, solar energy solutions and vehicle components. The "Life's Good" marketing theme encompasses how LG is dedicated to people's happiness by exceeding expectations today and tomorrow. LG is a 2018 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence. www.LG.com.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA