The R2 standard establishes requirements related to public and environmental health, worker health and safety, and the entire chain of custody of toxic materials through final disposal. It specifically prohibits electronic recyclers and their downstream suppliers from exporting the most toxic materials to countries where their importation is illegal. Integrated within the R2 standard is ISO 14001, providing a framework for responsible recycling practices of electronic products or wastes. R2 offers principles and voluntary guidelines to promote and assess responsible practices in recycling organizations. It covers the disposal of electronics like computers, cell phones, and televisions that are sent for refurbishment and/or recycling, extending to all recycling processes, including reuse, repair, and recycling of electronic materials. R2 requires a management system that emphasizes best practices impacting worker health and safety, the environment, and overall safety throughout the process of disposing of end-of-life electronic materials and equipment, such as cell phones and batteries.
R2 offers benefits such as:
- Reduction of environmental and human health impacts due to inappropriate recycling.
- Increased access to reusable and reconditioned equipment.
- Creation of a system of accountability for electronic equipment, all the way through the process to final disposal.
- Adherence to the highest industry standards and best practices.
