R2:2013 Standard gets quality plan

Sharada Rao, quality director for Boulder, Colorado-based SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International), the organization that has succeeded R2 Solutions in developing and promoting the R2 Standard, says ensuring and improving the quality and performance of R2 (Responsible Recycling Practices) certified recyclers and auditors is her top priority.

With this goal in mind, Rao, working with board member Clare Lindsay, reached out to electronics recyclers and refurbishers, original equipment manufacturers, certification body representatives, auditors, consultants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies, using their feedback in the development of the R2 Quality Plan.

“It was important to involve a diverse group of stakeholders,” Rao says. “Thoughtfully considering challenging issues from different perspectives achieves the best outcomes and avoids the unintended consequences that often accompany well-intentioned policies.”

The R2 Quality Plan is designed to:

  • improve the value of the R2 Standard to recyclers worldwide through the development of educational resources;
  • help recyclers and auditors better understand the R2 requirements and expectations;
  • raise the integrity of the standard through monitoring processes; and
  • identify and remove any bad performers from the R2 program.


The plan identifies specific tools and resources that will be developed and made available to R2 certified facilities, certification bodies and auditors in the coming months. An implementation guide designed to help recyclers and refurbishers develop their systems in conformance with R2:2013 will be included. The Quality Plan also calls for more guidance on how refurbishers and recyclers can identify acceptable downstream vendors, track focus materials and avoid and correct common nonconformances, according to SERI.

Other elements of the Quality Plan focus on training for auditors and certifying bodies.

Random “check-in” audits, a hotline to report nonconformances and procedures for evaluating and removing bad performers (facilities and auditors) also are discussed in the Quality Plan.

“The implementation of this Quality Plan will provide additional training and resources to recyclers, auditors and CBs—making R2:2013 certification more attainable around the world while upholding and advancing the high standards and integrity of the R2 program,” says John Lingelbach, executive director of SERI. “Our focus on both education and accountability is a win for recyclers, their customers, health and safety and the environment,” he adds.

R2 certification is designed to certify that electronics recycling and refurbishing facilities conform to the R2 Standard, which is based on best practices in environmental health and worker safety, data security and applicable laws. The standard was originally developed in 2008 through a joint process convened by the EPA.

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