{"id":6951,"date":"2024-02-16T16:57:31","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T16:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amtivo.com\/us\/resources\/r2-recycling-certification\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T20:16:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:16:24","slug":"r2-recycling-certification","status":"publish","type":"resources-filter","link":"https:\/\/amtivo.com\/us\/resources\/insights\/r2-recycling-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"R2 Recycling\u2014Electronic Waste and R2 Certification"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United States is one of the largest producers of e-waste in the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<\/a>, Americans generated approximately 6.92 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2019, which accounted for about 14% of the total global e-waste generated in the same year.<\/p>\r\n

Only a tiny percentage of this waste is correctly recycled, with a significant portion ending up in landfill or exported to developing countries, where it is often mishandled, causing environmental and health issues.<\/p>\r\n

Why Is E-Waste A Problem?<\/h2>\r\n

Electronic waste\u2014or e-waste\u2014is a significant global problem.<\/p>\r\n

The volume of e-waste is an issue with rapid technological advancements leading to faster replacement cycles and more obsolete items. Electronics often contain hazardous materials<\/a> such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. If not properly disposed of, these materials can leach into the environment, causing significant contamination that poses risks to human health. In addition, e-waste may contain valuable resources like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals, meaning that the improper disposal of such items results in wasted resources. Many electronics are still functional when discarded and can be refurbished and reused instead.<\/p>\r\n

The health risks of improper e-waste treatment are also an issue, exposing workers to dangerous substances. According to the World Health Organization<\/a>, only 17% of e-waste is properly processed. Materials such as lead can be released into the environment through activities such as open burning of landfills, putting children and pregnant women at particular risk.<\/p>\r\n

There is a growing issue with illegal e-waste exports from developed to developing countries, leading to unsafe recycling practices and environmental hazards.<\/p>\r\n

Read our guide to waste management and business recycling tips<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

\"Why<\/p>\r\n

What is R2 (Responsible Recycling) Certification?<\/h2>\r\n

R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification<\/a> is an industry-leading standard for electronics recycling. Issued by SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International)<\/a>, it ensures that organizations manage and recycle electronic waste safely, responsibly, and sustainably.<\/p>\r\n

The standard also aims to prevent unnecessary recycling and promote reusing products with some operational life left. This supports the secondary market for consumer electronics (CE) and explains why the R2 standard is essential to CE manufacturers, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), retailers, and resellers.<\/p>\r\n

What does R2 certification cover?<\/h2>\r\n

R2 certification ensures that electronic waste is managed responsibly, focusing on environmental sustainability, data security and worker health and safety. It assures customers, partners, and regulatory authorities that the certified organization follows best practices in handling electronic waste.<\/p>\r\n

The R2 standard covers a comprehensive range of areas, including:<\/p>\r\n