R2: Responsible Recycling

R2 is the short form expression for Responsible Recycling Standards for Electronic Recyclers. This is one of two standards; the other being e-Stewards-Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment. However, R2 is the world’s most utilized standard for the disposal and manufacture for used electronics.


The R2 practices were released in 2008 through development cooperation from members within the EPA, state agencies, electronics recyclers, refurbishers, trade associations, customers, other non-government organizations. A few years later in 2011, the Interagency Task Force on Electronics Stewardship developed the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship. The NSES outlines recommendations for safer design and disposal of electronic devices. The Task Force states that the United States government should lead by example, and this strategy outlines the best practices to be adopted by government agencies.

So…who does this apply to and what is an electronic recycler?

The EPA is encouraging all electronics recyclers (companies that manufacture and sell refurbished electronics or utilize components from used electronics) to become certified (aka r2 certification requirements) by demonstrating to an accredited independent third-party auditor that they meet specific standards to safely recycle and manage electronics. Used electronics should only be considered ‘waste’ if all other options have been evaluated and eliminated.

The EPA is encouraging all electronics recyclers (companies that manufacture and sell refurbished electronics or utilize components from used electronics) to become certified (aka r2 certification requirements) by demonstrating to an accredited independent third-party auditor that they meet specific standards to safely recycle and manage electronics. Used electronics should only be considered ‘waste’ if all other options have been evaluated and eliminated.


The American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board accredits bodies in the United States. There are currently only six organizations in the country that have received this accreditation. Given our country’s reliance on electronics, it’s safe to assume that the amount of refurbished electronic manufacturers will only increase and with it – the number of accredited organizations.

How does one become R2 certified and what is V3?

The first step is to reach out to an accredited standards development organization. We found a recommended 501(c)(3) organization using the EPA’s website. This organization, SERI, has the sole mission of environmental protection through the safe disposal and recycling of electronic products.


There are various resources available on SERI’s website. You can download the latest version of R2 documents HERE.


The entire process takes anywhere from 8 to 12 months, and organizations are free to complete the education independently or may reach out for a training consultant. Once again, all resources are located on the SERI website.


After completing the education, the organizational standards of procedure may need to be modified. This will require clear documentation of the prior procedures and new and improved processes. Next, the organization must implement these standards. Detailed documentation is key to earning accreditation. Furthermore, most companies will hire a consultant to assist within the implementation phase. You can find a list of consultants here.

Changes have been made, processes have been modified, and every step has been documented. What’s next? Now, you must perform an internal audit.


The last and final step is a certification audit. There are two stages to this audit and it spans one to two months. You can find an approved list of certification companies here. Prior to the initializing of stage two of the audit, you will complete a license application and pay a fee. After passing the certification audit and receiving an R2 certificate, a company is subject to mandatory annual audits and fees to maintain R2 status.


This accreditation is voluntary and encouraged. The government has been instructed to follow guidelines to be a good example to businesses and citizens. For this reason, if there is an option to do business with an accredited organization, a government agency will select this business over others. This offers the U.S. Government to help influence national standards through commerce.


Why would an organization want to use R2 standards? For one, they help to reinforce and advance best management practices relating to OSHA and risk management. These standards add additional value to an organization’s SOPs through assessing environmental and security practices. R2 helps trace and prevent hazardous waste from entering and polluting the environment.


These guidelines were issued in 2011. However, many companies are voluntarily adopting these best practices and becoming certified to quickly make a transition when, in all likelihood, these practices will become mandatory. At the very least, certification will be required for government vendors. Certification is not required for government vendors currently, but government agencies have been instructed to follow these measures whenever possible.


If you have been asked to become compliant with the R2 standards or need to find out pricing to budget for and r2 certified recycler, we’re here to help.

K.L. Security has various options for secure storage of digital and hardcopy documents. We also offer high-quality shredders for the safe destruction of confidential materials. With experience across various industries, we’re ready to help with all of your organization’s security needs.

Call 866-867-0306 or email [email protected]
Sources

https://www.epa.gov/smm-electronics/certified-electronics-recyclers

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/u_s_epa_fact_sheet_implementation_study_1.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/national_strategy_for_electronic_stewardship_0.pdf

R2

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only.


Written by: Shelley Swearingen with input from KL Security Experts

Cardboard Recycling Machines Improve Bottom Line & Sustainability

Up-cycling of old cardboard boxes and materials is quickly becoming an important business operations tool for small, medium and enterprise-wide businesses. Converting your incoming cardboard into outbound shipping materials is more than eco-friendly, it’s a direct effect on the bottom line of businesses worldwide.

When business and environmental goals align, companies worldwide are recognizing practical benefits including:

  • Greater ROI
  • Improved Sustainability
  • Metrics for Carbon Foot Prints of Products
  • Environmental Product Design & Shipping
  • Sales & Marketing Benefits of Sustainable Business Practices

Upcyled Cardboard boxes are turned into shipping and packing materials to save small business lots of money year over year.
Upcycled Cardboard boxes are turned into shipping and packing materials to save small business lots of money year over year.

Widely used by industrial businesses, the trend in recycled cardboard into shipping and packing materials is making its way to mom & pop shops and business of all sizes and markets. HSM has been touted as the most reliable and best reviewed brand of cardboard shredders and cardboard recycling machines on the market and we are proud to now offer the HSM ProfiPack 400 and HSM ProfiPack 425 cardboard recycle machines.

Some businesses utilize Carboard Shredders & Recycle Machines as Part of ISO 14000 Environmental Management Plans.
Some businesses utilize HSM Cardboard Shredders & Recycle Machines as Part of ISO 14000 Environmental Management Plans.

HSM ProfiPacks are ideal cardboard box solutions for companies seeking to reduce costs and reduce environmental impact by minimizing your need to purchase packing peanuts, bubble wrap or other shipping supplies and materials. The HSM ProfiPack is one of the best ways to create a cost savings plan that converts & upcycles old cardboard boxes into high quality packing materials for outbound shipments.

Whether you are a manufacturer that ships out packages or oversize shipments or simply want to create Eco-friendly packaging as part of your internal environmental initiatives such as ISO 14000 Environment management , ISO 14006:2011, or other non accredited environmental improvement strategies; the HSM carboard recycling machines and shredders are one of the best investments for ROI in the age of business sustainability.

Environmental Management Systems & Processes

Measuring and managing environmental impact is a key metric for many businesses, particularly with certified ISO 14000 or other similar standards for sustainability. By incorporating planned continual improvements for the recycling of cardboard and conversion to packing materials, some companies are realizing benefits that improve operations across multiple areas such as reduced costs, improved sustainability, achieving standards for greenhouse gas accounting, verification and emissions trading, as well as metrics used for measuring the carbon footprint of products that are manufactured.

Businesses around the world, as well as their customer and shareholders or stakeholders, are increasingly aware of the need for environmental management, socially responsible manufacturing and shipping of products that all dovetail into long-term sustainable growth and development. When small and large businesses take proactive management of the environmental aspects of product design, shipping materials and cardboard recylcing, there are clear benefits for operational efficiency and bottom line profits.

 Custom Built Solutions

For businesses that are seeking alternative solutions to meet unique requirements or specifications, we also offer fully customized warehouse management systems in the form of Industrial Balers & Recycling Chain Raw Material systems. Whether you are part of a national chain of retail stores or in manufacturing of goods, we are here to help.