Even if your business is in the tech space, you may not be familiar with R2 certification. While not all organizations within the electronics industry need to comply with the same standards, receiving R2v3 certification is essential if you want to impact the world of electronic recycling and ITAD. 

The Evolution of the R2 Standard

R2v3 is the most recent version of the Responsible Use and Recycling (R2) Standard. The standards for certification are set by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), an international nonprofit dedicated to the safety and sustainability of electronic devices. R2 certification is more comprehensive than other standards, focused on all economic, environmental, and social impacts of electronic refurbishing and recycling.

Since its inception in 2010, the R2 standard has undergone two major updates. The current R2v3 guidelines, introduced in 2020, retain most of the core values of earlier versions but have been updated and expanded to reflect “changes in the electronics landscape, customer demands, and the regulatory environment” over the last several years. 

The other significant difference between R2v3 and previous versions of R2 is the separation of “Core” and “Specialty Process” requirements. While any company looking to receive certification must meet all Core requirements, specialty process requirements only apply to facilities that perform certain specific processes. 

While past versions of R2 are still active for the time being, that won’t be true for much longer. Current R2 certifications received using the 2013 (v2) standard will expire in July of 2023, meaning that any company wanting to reap R2’s benefits must get R2v3 certified. 

Why R2v3 Certification Matters

There are several reasons why all businesses in the recycling and ITAD spaces should consider R2v3 certification. For one, getting certified provides a real point of differentiation that adds credibility with other global players. If that’s not enough, R2 Certification opens doors to new opportunities in the market that might not be accessible to uncertified companies. 

Both B2B and B2C customers are increasingly aware of the social and environmental issues surrounding the devices they use. There are even more direct benefits as well, though. Not only does this accolade display a company’s ethical practices to partners and customers, but R2v3 also comes with industry advantages, like the ability to take part in certain R2-exclusive opportunities and events. 

In a practical, real-world sense, there are two main areas in which R2v3 can play a significant role in your business. 

Environmental Impact

Having R2-certified facilities can play a big part in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies of recyclers and their customers. In order to meet the requirements laid out by SERI, electronics recyclers must operate in a safe, efficient, and environmentally-conscious way. 

Data Security

Because safety and security are core aspects of R2v3, ensuring that you choose a recycling partner in compliance with this standard also protects your sensitive data from being accessed during or after the ITAD process. Proper data destruction or sanitization is an essential aspect of your company’s cybersecurity policy, and the current R2 standard provides a real, up-to-date guide for how to ensure that all data on the devices you handle is correctly destroyed. 

Working with an ITAD Partner

First America Metal Corporation (FAMCe) is an R2v3-certified leader in ITAD, electronic recycling, and data destruction services, offering a wide range of IT disposal solutions designed to meet our clients’ unique needs in a safe and eco-friendly manner. 

We specialize in secure, innovative electronics recycling services for businesses that need to safely dispose of electronic scrap, high-temperature alloys, and non-ferrous scrap. Our level of expertise, unparalleled customer service, and aggressive pricing make First America the leading option for almost any recycling need. 
Need your company’s electronics safely and sustainably decommissioned? Learn more and get in touch with us at firstamerica.com.