If you have ever researched an ITAD company and their certifications, you may have come across R2v3. But what is this certification and what does it mean for an organization to have it?
R2v3 stands for “Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard Version 3,” and is a voluntary, globally recognized standard for the electronics recycling industry. Its goal is to ensure the responsible recycling and management of used electronics and IT assets, and focuses on environmental protection, worker safety, and data security. It is the latest version of the R2 Standard and was created by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), a nonprofit dedicated to minimizing the environmental and health risks posed by used and end of-of-life electronics while retrieving the maximum social and economic value.
SERI continues to update the certification as new practices and standards develop to ensure R2v3 is always at the forefront of the industry. R2v3 provides a comprehensive framework for electronics recyclers, refurbishers and IT asset disposition (ITAD) companies to manage end-of-life electronics responsibly with all R2 facilities being independently certified and audited by an accredited certification body.
R2v3’s key objectives for certified facilities include:
Environmental Protection:
- Proper handling of all hazardous materials
- Promote reuse and recycling of assets to minimize landfill waste.
- Reduce the hazardous effects of electronic waste on the environment.
Worker Health and Safety:
- Implement safety measures to protect workers from hazards associated with electronics recycling.
- Provide training and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
Data Security:
- Guarantee the total destruction of all data on electronic devices.
- Implement comprehensive data security measures to protect customer’s sensitive information.
Legal Compliance:
- Adhere to local, national, and international laws and regulations governing electronics recycling.
R2v3 certification is a rigorous standard that ensures electronics recyclers and ITAD companies manage electronic waste responsibly, protecting the environment, ensuring data security and safeguarding worker health and safety. Achieving this certification involves careful planning, implementation and continuous improvement to meet and maintain the high standards set by SERI.
As a R2v3-certified organization, EPC strives to meet each of the key objectives on a daily basis. We understand the importance of proper certification as well as protecting the communities that we live and work in. To learn more about EPC’s dedication to proper electronics recycling check out: Recycling – EPC (epcglobalsolutions.com) or for more information on our other certifications, visit: Certifications – EPC (epcglobalsolutions.com)
More information on R2v3 can be found here: Home – SERI (sustainableelectronics.org)