Terms and Conditions
Everything you need to know about our electronics recycling, IT asset buyback, and certified data destruction services—explained clearly
Electronics Recycling Terms
How we handle the responsible recycling, refurbishment, and reuse of your electronic equipment through our R2 certified facility
Device Ownership & Condition
When you work with STS Electronic Recycling, you're confirming that you have full legal ownership of all devices you're sending us. This means the equipment is free from any liens, claims, or encumbrances, and hasn't been reported lost or stolen. You're also confirming you have the authority to enter into this agreement on behalf of your organization.
We need this assurance because once we receive your devices, we process them immediately through our secure facility. The devices should match the descriptions you've provided in your quote, including any noted defects or conditions.
Important: Ownership transfers to STS the moment we receive your devices at our facility. After that point, we can't return individual devices—this ensures complete data security and process integrity.
Our Recycle • Refurbish • Reuse Commitment
Not everything gets recycled. When your devices arrive, we evaluate each one through our comprehensive quality assessment. Items that still have useful life get refurbished and remarketed—extending their lifespan and keeping them out of landfills longer. Equipment that's reached end-of-life goes through our certified recycling process. Either way, you're contributing to a more sustainable approach to electronics.
Pickup & Logistics
- When does ownership transfer? The moment our carrier loads your devices for pickup, or when our team collects them from your location. From that point forward, we maintain secure chain-of-custody through processing.
- We handle the heavy lifting. Our team can package and palletize everything right at your facility. With 600,000 square feet of processing space, we're equipped to handle projects of any size—from a few laptops to entire data center decommissions.
- Risk during transit: You're responsible for the devices until they're either picked up by our team or scanned by our shipping partner. Once we confirm receipt at our facility, we take it from there.
- Secure tracking throughout: GPS asset tracking and video surveillance keep your devices monitored during transportation and processing. You'll know exactly where your equipment is at every stage.
Environmental Compliance
Environmental responsibility isn't just a checkbox for us—it's central to how we operate. Every piece of electronics that comes through our doors gets processed according to R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification standards, EPA guidelines, and all applicable state and federal environmental regulations.
We maintain a zero landfill policy for recyclable materials. Equipment gets sorted and directed to the right destination: refurbishment for devices with remaining life, component recovery for valuable materials, or responsible recycling for everything else.
Need ESG Documentation? We provide environmental impact reporting and ESG compliance documentation on request—perfect for organizations tracking sustainability metrics or preparing corporate responsibility reports.
Hazardous materials like batteries, CRT monitors, and mercury-containing components require special handling under federal regulations. If you know your shipment contains hazardous materials, please let us know before pickup so we can ensure proper handling and worker safety.
IT Asset Buyback Terms
How we evaluate, purchase, and pay for your IT assets through our ITAD buyback program
How Our Quote Process Works
We've designed our buyback process to be straightforward and transparent. When you request a quote, we evaluate current market conditions and the information you provide about your devices to give you a competitive offer.
You can accept a quote by signing it formally, but you don't have to—if you schedule a pickup or ship devices to us, that counts as acceptance too. Either way, all the terms outlined here apply.
Your devices need to be ready for pickup by the date listed in your quote. If that timeline doesn't work, just let us know—we may need to issue a revised quote reflecting current market rates.
Quotes are valid for 30 days from the date issued. The pricing is based on the information you've shared with us, assuming devices match our grading standards. After we receive and evaluate everything, you'll get an Audit Report showing any adjustments.
Heads up: Devices need to arrive by the expiration date on your quote, or pricing may be adjusted. Quoted prices also assume devices match the specified models and contain original manufacturer components—non-OEM parts may affect final valuation.
Device Grading & Audit
When your devices arrive, we put them through our AuditLive™ check-in system. Each device gets individually assessed and graded based on condition and functionality. Here's how the grading scale translates to payment:
| Grade | What You'll Receive |
|---|---|
| Grade A | 100% of quoted price — Excellent condition |
| Grade B | 85% of quoted price — Good condition, minor wear |
| Grade C | 70% of quoted price — Fair condition, visible wear |
| Grade D | 50% of quoted price — Poor condition, functional issues |
| Grade F | 5% of quoted price — Non-functional or damaged |
If accessories are missing or devices don't match the quoted condition, those deductions come from the total device value. Your final payment reflects the actual grades we assign after hands-on evaluation.
Devices meeting our quality standards may be refurbished and remarketed as part of our commitment to extending product lifecycles and reducing e-waste.
Grading is final. Our technicians make the call, and those decisions aren't subject to appeal. Any devices found to be counterfeit, beyond repair, or without value may be recycled without payment.
Pricing & Payment Timeline
Your quote lists the price for each device based on model, expected condition, and current market value. Once we receive and verify your devices, payment is processed within 90 days. This timeframe allows us to complete thorough auditing, grading, and ownership verification.
If there are any disputes about specific devices, those may take additional time to resolve—but we'll pay for all undisputed items within the standard 90-day window. You have 30 days after receiving your final audit report to raise any concerns about payment amounts.
What Happens With Late Deliveries
Our quoted prices reflect market conditions at the time. If devices arrive late, we apply the following adjustments:
| When Devices Arrive | Impact on Your Payment |
|---|---|
| 0-14 days past due | No impact—you're within the grace period |
| 15-30 days past due | 5% reduction in quoted device values |
| 31 days past due | 10% reduction in quoted device values |
| 32+ days past due | 10% reduction, plus 0.333% for each additional day |
Locked Device Policy
Want to maximize your payout? Make sure all devices are unlocked before shipping. This means removing them from MDM systems, asset management platforms, security software, and manufacturer account locks like Apple Business Manager, Google Workspace, or Microsoft Intune.
Locked devices after 30 days: If we can't unlock a device within 30 days of notifying you, it incurs a $5 processing fee and is valued at $0. Locked devices can't be refurbished or remarketed, so they go straight to recycling.
We'll hold locked devices for up to 30 days after sending you notification. After that period, they're considered forfeited and may be recycled at our discretion without further notice or compensation.
Firmware & BIOS Passwords
- Got a firmware password? Let us know within 48 hours of our request, and we'll remove it for you.
- Devices with enabled firmware passwords at processing time incur a $5.00 fee per device, deducted from your payment.
- If more than half your order has firmware issues, the $5.00 charge applies to every device in the shipment.
- Can't provide the password? That device won't receive payment.
Need a Serialized List First?
Some organizations need a complete serial number list before they can unlock devices from their management systems. We offer this service for a flat $3 per device fee, which covers the additional processing time required. Just let us know during the quote process so we can plan accordingly.
Data Destruction Terms
How we ensure complete data security through certified sanitization and physical destruction services
Our Data Destruction Standards
Data security is non-negotiable. We follow NIST 800-88 standards for all data sanitization—these exceed Department of Defense requirements and satisfy compliance frameworks including HIPAA, FERPA, FACTA, SOX, and GLBA.
That said, no data destruction method is 100% guaranteed. While we use commercially reasonable efforts and industry-leading processes, you acknowledge that residual risk exists. We're not liable for claims arising from data that may remain on devices after processing.
NIST 800-88
Certified
DoD Standards
Exceeds
HIPAA
Compliant
Chain of Custody
Complete
For software-based erasure, devices need to power on and provide access to storage media. Successfully sanitized devices that meet quality standards may be refurbished and remarketed. Non-functional devices require physical destruction methods.
Data Destruction Options
When devices can't be electronically erased—whether due to damage, failure, or your security requirements—we offer certified physical destruction:
Standard eRecycling
Devices that can't be erased go through our R2 certified recycling program with physical destruction of storage media. This is the default if you don't specify a preference.
Certified Physical Destruction
Industrial shredding with complete documentation. Includes Certificate of Destruction with serial number tracking for your compliance records.
Physical Destruction Pricing: $12 per device for tablets, phones, watches, Apple TVs, and small electronics. $22 per device for laptops, desktops, servers, and iMacs.
On-Site Destruction Available
Need to witness the destruction yourself? Our mobile shredding units can process drives at your location while you observe. You'll receive a Certificate of Destruction the same day. On-site services are available throughout the Continental United States—contact your STS representative for availability and pricing in your area.
Documentation You'll Receive
Complete Audit Trail: Every client receives a Certificate of Destruction or Certificate of Compliant Recycling, plus full chain-of-custody tracking for compliance and audit purposes.
Here's what's included with all data destruction services:
- Certificate of Destruction (COD) — Official documentation confirming destruction method, date, and compliance standards for each device or batch.
- Chain of Custody Report — Complete tracking from pickup through final disposition, including transport logs, facility receipt, and processing verification.
- Serial Number Inventory — Detailed listing of all device serial numbers processed, matched to destruction certificates.
- Proof of Erasure Report — For software-sanitized devices, verification confirming successful data wipe per NIST 800-88 standards.
A note about your data: Back up anything you need before sending devices our way. Once equipment leaves your possession, we can't be held responsible for unintended data loss during processing.
Legal Provisions
Warranties, liability limitations, and governing legal terms for all STS Electronic Recycling services
Warranties & Liability
Services Provided "As Is"
Our services are provided without express or implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. We strive for excellence in everything we do, but we can't guarantee our services will meet every possible requirement.
Limitation of Liability
STS, our affiliates, and our team members won't be liable for incidental, indirect, punitive, or consequential damages—including lost profits, business interruption, or loss of information—regardless of how such claims arise.
Maximum liability: Our total aggregate liability can't exceed the amount we paid you for devices under the relevant quote. Any claims must be submitted in writing within 60 days of receiving payment.
Your Indemnification Obligations
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless STS and our officers, directors, employees, and agents against any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, or expenses (including attorneys' fees) that arise from your obligations under these terms.
Governing Legal Terms
Governing Law & Venue
These terms are governed by Texas law. Any legal proceedings will take place in courts located in Smith County, Texas—both parties consent to that jurisdiction.
Jury Trial Waiver
Both parties waive their right to a jury trial for any legal proceedings arising from this agreement.
Entire Agreement
These terms, together with any related quotes, exhibits, and attachments, represent the complete agreement between you and STS regarding these services. They supersede any prior discussions, agreements, or representations.
Force Majeure
Neither party is liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control—natural disasters, government actions, supply chain disruptions, pandemics, or acts of war.
Amendments
Changes to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties to be binding.
Severability
If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions stay in full effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about our terms, processes, and services
