SERI releases latest R2 Standard

SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International), Hastings, Minnesota, has launched the latest R2 Standard for electronics reuse and recycling, R2v3.

The organization says R2v3 incorporates its experience gained from more than a decade auditing and implementing the R2 Standard and reflects changes in the electronics landscape, customer demands and the regulatory environment. Many of the changes to the standard are a result of feedback submitted by customers, members of the industry and the public.

As a result, SERI says the R2 Standard is “more powerful, practical and works even harder to protect data, people and the planet” by increasing emphasis on reuse and protecting data, offering an adaptable and scalable approach for facilities and strengthening requirements in key areas while retaining much of what has made R2 such a popular tool for setting responsible reuse and recycling practices around the world.

Effective July 1, the new R2v3 Standard will be available for download from the newly launched website, https://seriR2.org. In addition to offering the standard for download, the new site provides a timeline for R2v3 as well as a FAQ section and an opportunity to register for a free intro to R2v3 webinar. Over the coming months, the new site will expand to include a variety of features such as a new library of online training modules, courses for virtual users, consultant and auditor training and a “Knowledge Base” that will provide a library of searchable information related to R2v3 and guidance for those implementing and auditing the standard.

“Organizations want to know that they are making a responsible choice when disposing of their electronics,” says Corey Dehmey, executive director of SERI, R2’s housing body. “Rather than just trusting self-made claims, R2v3 provides a new benchmark for accountability to increase confidence in electronics refurbishers and recyclers.”

The full transition to the new R2v3 Standard won’t be completed until 2023. This is necessary to give all 950-plus facilities an opportunity to update their operations to conform to the new requirements and provide time for each to be audited, SERI says. The organization adds that it is building and testing transition plans with the Certification Bodies and expects the first R2v3 Certified facilities in early 2021.