Published on July 28, 2022, Updated on August 6, 2022
Responsible Recycling (R2) Certification adheres to the R2 Standard- a set of principles and practices for recycling and reclamation centers in the handling of electronic waste including those exported for reuse. Accredited certification bodies perform an initial evaluation to assess adherence to the R2 Standard followed by a readiness review and registration audit. Follow-up and if necessary, corrective action is done prior to the certification. After which annual audits are performed with re-registration required every three years.
Who Developed R2 Certification?
Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) developed the standard for R2 Certification. SERI is the housing body of R2 Certification, accredited by ANAB in the U.S. Contributors to the development of the standard are regulators from state agencies, electronics recyclers, customers of electronic recycling, NGOs, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The year 2008 marked the birth of the international R2 Certification and as of 2020, the R2 Standard is being reviewed for an updated issue.
What are R2 Certified Companies?
Companies and organizations having R2 Certification adhere to the following R2 Standard practices:
- Recycling and reusing electronic waste with disposal as the last resort
- Protection of workers and the environment through occupational health and safety compliance, and regular hazard identification and risk assessment
- Down-stream due diligence for focus materials, monitoring the presence of hazardous substances during the recycling stream
- Documentation of focus material handling plan for both recyclers and downstream sellers
- Legal proof of export capacity and awareness of where these exports are sent including their proper handling
- A comprehensive management system that adheres to the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” model
- Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and rules of the governing body of the standard
1 Green Planet is an R2 Certified company that supports responsible electronics recycling.
What are the Positive Effects of R2 Certification?
R2 Certification is positively impactful in many ways, primarily through:
- Decreasing harmful effects of improper recycling on the health of the environment and humans
- Improving accessibility to good quality refurbished and reusable items
- Helps in energy conservation and mitigates negative impacts of mining, consumption of virgin materials, and maximizing natural resources
