R2 Solutions Named Non-Profit Administrator of R2 Electronics Recycling Program

R2 Solutions, a new non-profit organization, has been named to help administer the Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices for Use in Accredited Certification Programs, a comprehensive standard for electronics recyclers. R2 Solutions will promote the use of R2, provide administrative support to the R2 Governing Council and educate the public about responsible electronics recycling.

R2, which has taken more than two years to develop, is led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program requires recyclers manage materials properly to protect the environment, human health and safety and prohibit the illegal export of hazardous materials. The standards are supported by governments, manufacturers, recyclers and non-governmental organization stakeholders.

According to a release, currently there are 25 electronics recycling facilities that have been certified for R2, including one outside the United States.

“Electronics recycling is becoming a critical part of the global information and communications technology industry, and it’s critical a high set of standards is in place to ensure the development of a responsible industry. R2 Solutions will create the home needed for the R2 standard to continue to develop and be adopted by the technology industry,” says John Lingelbach, acting executive director for R2 Solutions.

In a release announcing the formation of the group, R2 Solutions says that the program requires the responsible management of materials through the entire recycling process, prohibits illegal export of materials, and ensures recycling processes are safe and secure. The management and further development of the standard will be conducted openly and transparently and there is no “pay to play” requirement for recyclers to use R2.

The organization will be headquartered in Colorado. R2’s board of directors includes: • John DeVillars, who works in the area of renewable energy as managing partner of BlueWave Capital;

• John Howard, an independent public policy consultant and a former federal environmental executive for the Bush Administration;

• John Lingelbach, currently serving as acting director of R2 Solutions and responsible for facilitating the multi-stakeholder development of R2 practices from 2006 to 2008;

• Pete Regan, currently working with private-equity backed companies and with several non-profits.; and;

• Lynn Rubinstein, executive director of the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC).

Electronics recyclers who wish to become certified to R2 are encouraged to visit www.r2solutions.org.