The R2:2013 Standard is the most recent version of the Standard. The R2 Standard is a way to identify, aggregate, distribute, and monitor best-practices in electronics repair and recycling.
The (R2) Standard “Responsible Recycling practices for Use in Accredited Certifications Programs” emerged from a multi-stakeholder process convened by the US Environmental Protection Agency to create a voluntary, market-based mechanism for ensuring best practices in electronics recycling. The development of the standard addressed the operational and environmental challenges in electronics recycling and repair.
The R2 Standard creates market incentives for recycling facilities to implement environmental, health, and safety procedures that directly benefit their workers, the communities in which they operate, and the environment. The R2 Standard helps facilities avoid “reinventing the wheel” by providing consistent knowledge and guidance for electronics repair and recycling that can be applied to any facility, anywhere.
Here are just a few examples of how R2:2013 Practices addresses these top corporate concerns that impact decision making when choosing the right IT asset disposal provider:
Provision 1: Environmental, Health, and Safety Management System
An environmental, health and safety management system (EHSMS) is the foundation upon which the R2 requirements rest. The EHSMS is the mechanism to continuously improve environmental, and health and safety performance.
Provision 2: Reuse, Recover Hierarchy of Responsible Management Strategies
The R2 Standard requires a written policy for managing used and end-of life electronic equipment based on a Hierarchy of Reuse, Materials Recovery and Energy Recovery or Land Disposal, which is only allowed “if no reuse or recycling options are viable”. The hierarchy is implemented in the operational procedures of each organization.
Provision 3: Legal Requirements
Identifying and complying with environmental, health & safety, data security and import/export legal requirements is an important provision of the R2 standard.
Provision 4: On-site Environmental, Health, and Safety
The goal of Provision 4 is to protect the recycler’s workforce, public health, and the environment. This includes identifying and controlling EH&S hazards, having the technical capability to process material and maintaining good housekeeping standards.
Provision 5: Focus Materials
R2:2013 requires the responsible management of Focus Materials throughout the recycling chain. Throughout the R2:2013 standard, various requirements are imposed on the need for qualification or “due diligence” of downstream vendors.
Provision 6: Reusable Equipment and Components
Reuse is the preferred management strategy for electronic devices under the R2 Standard.
Provision 7: Tracking Throughput
Provision 7 of the R2 Standard focuses on tracking throughput, including ways to track recyclable material, record keeping requirements, and other best practices.
Provision 8: Data Destruction
Data security and destruction is increasingly important. Provision 8 outlines data destruction requirements for R2 refurbishers and recyclers, and this outlines guidance on types of data-bearing materials, destruction and sanitization methods, and best-practices.
Provision 9: Storage
Properly storing used electronics is essential for compliance to the R2 Standard.
