Policies & Initiatives
Conflict Minerals - Black Box is committed to the ethical sourcing of minerals used in our products. Our goal is to refrain from purchasing Conflict Minerals from the Covered Countries for our products except for those materials that are certified by an independent third party as "conflict free." The global supply chain for these minerals, however, is complex, and tracing the minerals in our products to their source is a challenge. Black Box is working diligently with our suppliers and other stakeholders to improve and systematically address the process for sourcing minerals that are "conflict-free."
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in European Union markets. The directive bans equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.
Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, when customers buy new electrical and electronic equipment from Black Box in the European Union they are entitled to send old equipment for recycling on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis (this varies depending on the country) and to send the new equipment back for recycling when it ultimately becomes waste.
Air Emissions - Black Box does not emit any hazardous air pollutants as a result of our company operations. There is the potential for petroleum fuel emissions from company vehicles.
Water Discharges - Black Box does not have any wastewater discharges associated with our company operations.
Solid and Hazardous Wastes - Black Box has limited hazardous waste streams. Proper disposal of cleaning solvents, various communication system batteries, and limited petroleum products are generally limited to the warehouse facilities.
Hazardous Material Storage and Handling - Within Black Box facility locations, only the Minnesota warehouse has a Hazardous Material Management Facility License.
Conservation of Natural Resources - Whenever possible, Black Box offices participate in local recycling programs.
Regulatory Compliance - Black Box will strive to be in continuous compliance with applicable environmental and safety laws, regulations and acts. Required surveys or reports will be completed in a timely manner and returned to the governing agency or state bureau within the allotted timeframe
Team Member Training - Environmental training issues that affected personnel will train on include Asbestos Exposure Awareness, Hazard Communication (HAZCOM), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Accident Reporting, and Fleet Vehicle Maintenance Procedures.
Licenses and Permits - All required licenses and permits are to be renewed in advance of the current license or permit expiration date. Paperwork required for licenses and permits will be submitted at the beginning of the renewal window, and not less than 45 days from the current license or permit expiration date.
Hazardous Material Storage and Handling - All hazardous chemicals will be stored and handled in accordance with EPA and OSHA regulations. Chemical storage contain ers will be marked in accordance with the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS).
Vehicle Emissions - All fleet vehicle drivers are responsible for ensuring that all required state vehicle emission checks are completed by the required date (month and year).
Conservation of Natural Resources - Whenever possible and economically feasible, Black Box offices will participate in local recycling efforts. Paper, aluminum cans, and glass may be recycled in an effort to conserve natural resources and reduce the amount of landfill waste.