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
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
