What are The Benefits of R2 Certification?

In this blog, we will take a deeper look into the benefits of R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification. Before our deep dive into the benefits of it, let’s first know what R2 certification is and what else should be included in it on a high level. We will also cover how to become R2 certification in a step-by-step process. The first thing to know off the bat is that it is mainly for the electronics recycling and waste industries. We will only be focusing on e-waste recyclers in this blog.

What is an R2 Certification?

Since the boom in the electronics and IT era, there’s been a rising concern about the safe disposal of electronics waste. There are some major risks associated with it if recycling and disposing of the e-waste are not done properly. This clearly points towards the necessity of clear regulations and guidance around the disposal of electronic waste for the e-waste industry. This is how R2 consultants originated. A non-profit organization called SERI, which stands for Sustainable Electronics Recycling International, developed a set of requirements for the e-waste recycling industry to follow to promote responsible recycling. The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is part of the Technical Advisory Committee at SERI for developing and implementing R2. The latest edition of R2 is R2V3, which is currently in use for companies to get certified on. In order to obtain R2 certification, companies must adhere to the guidelines and meet the requirements set forth by the standard. A third-party audit is conducted by the certification body to ensure that the company is complying with the R2V3 standard.

How Does a Company Become R2 Certified?

It may sound like a daunting task to go through the R2 certification process. But with proper guidance and help, companies can easily navigate the journey to become R2 certified and enjoy the plethora of benefits it offers. Before starting the certification process, the company needs to have a basic understanding of R2 standards and realize the importance of them.

The process of getting R2 certification is broken down into 5 steps for simplicity. It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Below are the steps to get R2 certified:

• After the company realizes the importance of getting the R2 certification, they need to seek expert help. Either a full-time employee with specialized skills in implementing R2 or a more economical option, an expert R2 consultant can alleviate a lot of stress that can come during the implementation process. Seeking expert guidance in the form of an R2 consultant can make the whole process faster, more efficient, and stress-free.
• Implementing the requirements of the standards across the company’s e-waste recycling system. This is the most crucial step for a company to go through. Successful implementation will result in successful certification. Companies need to go through thorough gap analysis and risk assessment strategies for developing an effective R2 system.
• While implementing, the company needs to ensure that they have fully documented processes, procedures, and records to prove that they meet all the R2 requirements.
• The next step is conducting the internal audit. Your consultant should evaluate your certification readiness by conducting and documenting an internal audit. If there are discrepancies and deficiencies found in the system, then the consultant, along with the company reps, should fix them before going to the next step.
• External audit by a certification body to evaluate your internal compliance with SERI’s guidelines for responsible recycling. If you pass the audit, you get certified by SERI. Follow up on this to continue to maintain the R2 certification and pass the annual audits.

R2 certification costs are another aspect recyclers need to understand. An R2 consultant can lay out the R2 certification cost for you in your first call with them. R2 consultants at MG Environmental Consulting (www.mgenviro.com) can break down the R2 certification cost and the implementation process for you free of charge.

Benefits of R2 Certification

There are numerous environmental and economic benefits that motivate the majority of e-waste recyclers to get R2 certified. We‘re listing some of them here and

Environmental Benefits

• The first and foremost benefit of R2 certification is that by complying with it, you show that your organization promotes safe and effective recovery and reuse of electronic equipment and devices with minimal impact on the environment.
• While promoting safe and effective recovery and reuse of electronics, your organization shows that it is mindful of its impact on the environment and thus minimizes environmental and public health risks by employing proper disposal methods of electronic devices.
• With the certification, you become a responsible recycler and minimize the creation of more e-waste in the environment.
• With R2 Certification, your organization will be able to show that you have implemented proper channels to guard downstream control of the recycling chain.
• Your organization complies with local, national, and international environmental laws.
• With R2 certification, you show your capabilities to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that you have implemented processes with due diligence for their end-of-life electronics.
• Data destruction plays a crucial role in R2 standards. As an e-waste recycler, when you get R2 certified, you show that you take it very seriously and follow regulations to protect your client’s data.

Economical Benefits

• Attract new clients: with the certification in place, you will attract new clients and collaboration. They will have trust and mental peace that electronic devices will not be mishandled. Recycling of their electronics will follow federal and state regulations, and data protection will be prioritized.
• Customer Satisfaction: When you prove with an R2 certification that you have implemented the recycling requirements as per the standards, you build trust of your customers. They feel more at peace
• Public Confidence: Your organization, through a R2 certification, Instills public confidence through certified third-party review. That gives your organization a positive outlook on society and the e-waste recycling network, which will bring more business opportunities.
• Competitive Edge: This gives you a competitive advantage over your competitors and other recycling companies.

In a nutshell, R2 promotes circular economy by promoting reusing, refurbishing, and recycling electronic equipment and components. The goal of the standard is to ensure that recycling protects the environment and human health across the globe. R2 standard recognizes and promotes the recovery of precious materials from those devices as well. Electronic recyclers across the board will benefit hugely from getting R2 certified. To learn about the details of the R2v3 certification process, costs and more, please reach out to us at www.mgenviro.com, info@mgenviro.com, or (510)-332-1321