Sims Recycling Solutions' Dubai facility achieves R2 certification

U.K.-based Sims Recycling Solutions reports that its Dubai, United Arab Emirates, facility, a global provider of IT asset disposition (ITAD) services, recently became the first business in the United Arab Emirates, and the only business in the Middle East, to achieve the Responsible Recycling (R2:2013) certification.

Issued by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), the R2 certification offers general principles and practices for IT equipment disposal vendors.

Stephen Phelan, managing director for Sims Recycling Solutions, Middle East, says, “We are happy to be setting the standard for other electronics recyclers in the region. Globally, Sims Recycling Solutions securely and responsibly disposes of over 735,000 metric tons of e-waste each year through facilities in over 21 countries. Our clients in the Middle East include multinational corporations, local businesses, financial institutions, government departments, waste management companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). So responsible recycling (R2) is a key certification for us.”

The R2 Standard is managed by SERI, an ANSI-accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit standards development organization and provides a common set of processes, safety measures, and documentation for ITAD companies. R2-certified vendors repair, disassemble and recycle used electronic equipment using processes that emphasize reuse, transparency, environmental health and worker safety.

“As the only R2-certified business in the Middle East, it is our hope that we will raise some awareness of this global standard in this region,” said Steve Skurnac, president of Sims Recycling Solutions. “We are very optimistic about the value this certification will bring to us.”

Other recent certifications achieved by Sims Recycling facilities around the world include ISO 50001:2011 at its site in Germany, and BS OHSAS 18001:2007 and CAS-S certification at two sites in the United Kingdom. To view all industry certifications and standards held by Sims Recycling Solutions please visit www.SimsRecycling.com.

Sims Recycling Solutions is a division of Sims Metal Management Limited, based in the U.K.