R2 Responsible Recycling
Certification

R2 is an international standard for the electronics recycling industry that upholds responsible and efficient recycling practices.

  • Reduce environmental risks.
  • Decrease liability of e-waste.
  • Secure valuable data.
  • Lower public health risks.
  • Stand out from competitors.

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What is R2 Responsible Recycling?

Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) is the housing body and ANSI-accredited Standards Development Organization for the R2 Responsible Recycling Standard.

The R2 standard is a recycling framework covering:

  • Environmental and public health criteria.
  • Worker health and safety.
  • Data Security.
  • Supervision of toxic materials throughout the chain.
  • Prohibiting poisonous exports to countries where imports threaten environmental and public health.
  • R2 covers all types of electronic waste from phones, computers, monitors, wearables, to speciality electronics.
  • R2’s goal is to remove all types of e-waste. Recyclers sanitize data, harvest components for reuse, and where necessary ensure hazardous waste is responsibly managed.

Since both US and international markets demand greater respect for the environment, organizations certified with the R2 standard can demonstrate reducing their ecological footprint while gaining a positive reputation for meeting public health legislation.

Orion Registrar is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for Recycling Standards R2.

R2 Certification R2 Responsible Recycling - electronics recycling showing monitors

Benefits of R2 Certification

There are multiple benefits to obtaining an R2 Responsible Recycling certification.

Benefits of being RS Responsible Recycling certified for your business include the peace of mind that all electronic waste from your business is disposed of responsibly which reinforces your organization’s commitment to protecting the planet.

Institutions with the R2 standard produce and maintain responsible recycling practices, ensuring e-waste is recovered and reused effectively and disposed of safely. As a result, such organizations benefit from driving down waste and production costs.

This ensures client satisfaction, thereby increasing market share.

  • Identify, understand, and meet client expectations.
  • Endorse safe and effective recovery and reuse of electronic equipment.
  • Safeguard downstream control of the recycling chain.
  • Minimize public health risks.
  • Comply with international environmental laws.
  • Constantly deliver quality and safe products.
R2 certification achieved

How to Become Certified

It’s an easy process to become R2 Responsible Recycling certified.

To obtain the R2 Standard, organizations need to hold an existing certification in Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSM), such as ISO 14001 as a framework.

The R2 standard expands on that foundation with requirements explicit to the electronics reuse-recycling sector.

The steps to becoming certified are usually a two-part process involving an initial document audit followed by a practical audit.

All Orion auditors are experts in their field and take a personable approach to help you achieve certification smoothly.

See a summary of R2v3 core requirements here.

Once your institution reaches R2 certification, it will be subject to an annual audit to ensure the company meets R2 Responsible Recycling requirements. 

For further details, explore the SERI R2 Guidance & Knowledge Base, here.

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Why You Should Choose Orion

Why Choose Orion

ANAB Accredited

Our certificates are ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited, which are recognized and accepted, worldwide.

Qualified Expertise

Our auditors are professionally qualified with distinguished backgrounds and experience.

Cost-Effective Service

Orion Registrar is dedicated to earning your loyalty with our consistent, cost-effective service.

Customized Approach

With Orion Registrar, you can customize your certification needs to suit your organization.

Fixed Price Guarantee

We guarantee no application fees, no annual fees, and a fixed price per service for certification.

Contract Flexibility

You are not tied in with Orion, provided you cancel your agreement at least 4 weeks ahead of your pre-booked assessment date.

High Quality Service

94% of Orion clients have said they are ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to recommend us.

Impartial Certification

Orion Registrar understands the importance of maintaining impartiality in achieving certification.

On Your Side

Orion Registrar sets a goal to be open, honest, and approachable, working in partnership with clients.

The R2 Certification Journey

Get in touch for a free quote from one of our experienced teams to get your R2 Responsible Recycling certification.

Help You Prepare

Our team will get in touch to outline the process and explain the plan for your initial assessment. We can also signpost you to any resources that you might find useful on your journey to becoming certified.

1

Step One – Identify Gaps

Referred to as a “Stage one assessment”, our auditor will conduct an initial review of your management system to determine if the core requirements of the standard are being met. We will provide a detailed report outlining the areas you need to focus on in order to comply with the requirements.

2

Step Two – In-depth Review

When you are ready, an auditor will conduct a “Stage two assessment” to establish if your organisation meets the requirements of the standard. We review any actions taken to address findings raised at Stage one and our auditor will make a recommendation as to whether certification can be issued, based on the audit outcomes.

Please Note: It is typical for gaps to be identified during the audit, which will need to be addressed through corrective actions before certification can be approved.

Step Three – Certification Issued

Following a review by our Compliance Team, a decision will be made as to whether your certification can be issued.

For more details about the certification process please click here.

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R2 Recycling FAQs

Where Did the R2 Responsible Standard Originate? 

In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency identified a demand to improve practices relating to operational and environmental challenges in the e-recycling and repair industry. Therefore the EPA organized a course to create a non-profitable, market-driven means for encouraging positive practices in electronics recycling. Hence the Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard was born.

What is the R2v3 Responsible Recycling Standard? 

R2v3 is an expansion on the R2 Standard, which mirrors progressive changes in the electronics industry, encompassing customer demands and environmental impacts. The framework for R2v3 is a result of responses from customers, industry members and the broader community from the R2 standard program. Such feedback is used to construct an upgraded Standard that closely reflects today’s industrial climate. The R2v3 is more intelligent and proficient in safeguarding data, environments and communities worldwide. 

What is the R2v3 Timeline?

The R2:2013 standard will be valid until July 1, 2023.

After this date, organizations will need to be re-assessed for the R2v3 Standard. Orion recommended that clients had their R2v3 transition surveillance or recertification completed by February 2023, as all R2:2013 Certifications expire on this on June 30, 2023. This provides Orion with sufficient time to re-certify your organization before the R2 expiration date.

The R2v3 Standard is effective for three years and will then be subjected to renewal.

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