R2 Solutions has introduced a series of proposed actions to help beef up the R2 standard and take “bad actors” to task, including a quality plan that will play a significant role in upholding and strengthening the integrity of the standard.
R2 Quality Plan
The plan has been divided into three main sections, each focusing on a specific stakeholder group: certified facilities, certification bodies and the auditors, leaving the fourth section to apply to the general action undertaken by R2 Solutions.
R2 Solutions says the purpose of its Quality Plan is all-encompassing to assure the performance quality of R2-certified recyclers and auditors, including:
• improving the value of the R2 standards to recyclers worldwide through the development of educational resources
• helping recyclers and auditors better understand the R2 requirements and expectations
• raising the integrity of the standard through monitoring processes
• identifying and removing any bad performers from the R2 program
R2 Solutions adds that what will be of particular interest for recyclers and refurbishers is an implementation guide designed to help develop R2:201- conforming systems.
The certification program 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 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 noncompliance.
It’s your company’s duty to minimize the threats not only for yourself, but for your clients as well.
Most of the actions, including auditor tracking, are expected to be implemented sometime this year, at which time R2 Solutions will begin weeding out underperforming R2-certified recycling firms.
Contact an R2-certified IT asset management and ITAD provider for the best practices in responsible recycling for your IT equipment.