Responsible Recycling R2 Certification

Webinars for 2012 To learn more about R2, attend our FREE webinar. Click on the webinar title below to view details or register. Responsible Recycling (R2) for a Cleaner Tomorrow Date/Time: On Demand Cost: FREE Responsible Recycling (R2) - It's Not Just for Recyclers Anymore Date/Time: On Demand Cost: FREE

Demonstrate your organization's commitment to environmental stewardship

In today's electronic digital age, the proliferation of electronic devices and appliances combined with technology's rapid rate of obsolescence has increased the amount of electronic waste (e-waste). Consumer electronics account for up to five percent of the total materials flowing into the municipal solid waste stream, but they are the fastest growing component of these waste streams, growing five times faster than other types of waste.

Such discarded items containing components and metals that are recyclable include televisions, computers, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, telephones, cellular phones, stereos, mp3 players, VCRs, and DVD players. All this discarded e-waste ends up in municipal landfills or shipped overseas where ofttimes it ends up in open dumping sites, posing safety and health hazards.

What is Responsible Recycling R2 Certification?
Encouraging reuse and recycling of these electronics to lessen the impact on landfills and the environment, the EPA also recognized the need for guidelines for proper, safe disposal of these items. In an effort to aid and monitor electronics recyclers, the EPA assisted in the development of a set of standards to help "protect public health and the environment, improve worker safety practices, and reduce potential exposures" called Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2).

For those organizations involved in the recycling of electronics, obtaining R2 certification demonstrates a commitment to manufacturers and consumers alike that they are willing to employ practices to reduce the potential environmental impact associated with electronics disposal. The guidelines of the standard cover computers, peripherals, cell phones, and televisions sent to recyclers for proper refurbishment and recycling. The practices extend to all recycling processes including refurbishment, repair, and recycling of electronic materials.

Compliance to the R2 practices is voluntary and does not replace electronic recyclers' legal obligations. If a requirement of R2 conflicts with an applicable legal requirement, the recycler must adhere to the legal requirement.

Benefits of R2 Certification

• Promotes safe reuse and recycling of electronic equipment and components
• Ensures proper downstream management of recycling chain
• Reduces risk to environment and public health
• Demonstrates compliance with both domestic and international laws
• Facilitates due diligence of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for their end-of-life (EOL) electronics
• Helps reduce recycler's insurance costs and minimizes liability
• Increases public and customer confidence
  

Why TÜV SÜD America?
TÜV SÜD America's Management Service division is a leading ISO 14001 global Certification Body, with auditors and clients located around the world. In addition to R2, TÜV SÜD offers environmental services such as ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Wind Energy, Photovoltaic, and E-Mobility (battery testing) services.


Click here to download our "Responsible Recycling R2 Certification" brochure in PDF format.

Helpful Resource Links:

EPA site:

Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronic Recyclers

Responsible Recycling Practices for Use in Accredited Certification Programs

For more information on Responsible Recycling R2 Certification, contact us.