February 2011  
R2 Update
The latest information on Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices 
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Welcome to the R2 Update!  This newsletter contains relevant industry information and news pertaining to R2 Solutions, and more importantly the R2 Practices Standard, the leading certification program for the electronics recycling industry.
In This Issue
R2 Solutions.org v2.0
QA strategy document will soon be available for comment
Governing Council to shape the future of the R2 Standard
Governing Council to be formed by April
Conformity review: Batteries

R2 Solutions.org v2.0


R2 Solutions

Visitors to the R2 Solutions website will notice a number of additions and enhancements.  The website contains new information and resources for those companies looking for an R2 certified recycler, as well as for R2 certified recyclers and those seeking certification.  Links to important industry research and information, archived copies of the R2 Update newsletter and addition information about the structure and activities of R2 Solutions can also be found on the site.

Those looking for an R2 certified recycler will notice that we have added an interactive map that contains expanded contact information for each facility.   R2 Solutions would like to offer every R2 certified recycler the opportunity to have enhanced contact information added to the map.  Any processor interested in this feature should email Kim Holmes, at [email protected].

     In the near future the website will further be developed as a tool to gather input on the standard revision process, and host additional documents and information relating to the activities of the Governing Council and the development of the quality assurance program.

QA strategy document will soon be available for comment

 

Checklist

Through consultation with a number of key stakeholders and quality control experts, R2 Solutions is continuing the process of developing the quality assurance program.  This program will utilize a variety of tools that will clearly define what conformance to the various requirements of the R2 Standard looks like.  We also are exploring the possibility of providing some sort of periodic monitoring of certified recyclers to help assure ongoing conformance to the standard.  As currently envisioned, the resulting QA program will have two areas of function: 

  • Providing education and guidance on conformance for R2 certified recyclers, those seeking certification and auditors,
  • A QA "monitoring" program that may employ some combination of desktop and on-site facility audits.

It is the intent that the QA strategy will afford customers of R2 recyclers continued confidence in the R2 label and what it represents - ongoing adherence to best practices by those recyclers that have achieved certification. 

R2 Solutions will issue a whitepaper on QA program in March and will have an open public comment period to gather input on the proposed program.

Governing Council to shape the future of the R2 Standard

 

Every three years the R2 Standard will be revised so that it continues to capture industry best practices as these change over time.  One of the long-term goals is to continue to set the bar for best practices higher and higher, challenging the industry to operate at its very best.  The body that will oversee the process of updating the standard will be the R2 Governing Council.  The make-up of the council will be balanced, including all key stakeholders: large customers, OEMs, recyclers, refurbishers, government regulators, NGOs, downstream vendors and others.  The standard will be updated using a transparent, open and efficient process.

"Much like the U.S. constitution, the R2 Standard was developed through an open and transparent process, therefore the standard is a consensus document," notes Joe Clayton, of Synergy Recycling, LLC.  "As the Governing Council takes on the task of updating the R2 Standard, anyone will be able to propose changes to the standard, and voice opinions and ideas about all the changes that are proposed.  History has shown us that the most effective and relevant standards have been developed through similar, consensus-based processes.  The success of these standards is in large part due to the fact that they most accurately capture the concerns about the industry brought forth by all stakeholder groups, without exclusion.  The result is a truly comprehensive standard - that's the real strength of R2."

         R2 Solutions in near finalizing the Governing Council Bylaws and Process Plan.  Drafts of those documents will soon be available on the Governing Council section of the R2 Solutions website.

Governing Council to be formed by April

 

The R2 Governing Council will be made up of 20 voting members as well four to six non-voting members.  The distribution of voting seats amongst stakeholder groups can be found on the Governing Council page of the R2 Solutions website.  Council members will be asked to make a three year commitment to serve on the Council.  R2 Solutions is currently seeking nominations of individuals with a high level of knowledge and working experience with the R2 Standard to serve on the Governing Council.  Those wanting to nominate someone, or themselves, for the Council should email [email protected]. 

        Even as the Governing Council is formed, R2 Solutions will begin seeking input on potential changes to the R2 Standard to be considered by the Governing Council.  The opening of the preliminary input period will be announced via the R2 Update.

Conformity review:  Batteries


Conformity review is a monthly column highlighting important operational information as it relates to the R2 Standard
Lithium ion batteries

Last year the Air Transport Association (IATA) made changes to its guidelines for transporting lithium metal and lithium ion batteries.  Many electronic devices contain these types of batteries; many recyclers may need to alter how they manage and transport this R2 Focus Material.  DOT, FAA, IATA, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) all have requirements and/or guidelines regarding shipments of these batteries and equipment containing them.  Regulations may apply to both inbound shipments (i.e. from upstream clients/sources) and outbound shipments (i.e. to both downstream processors and to reuse customers). 

          While the changes have been in place for some months, the informal grace period for adapting to these changes may be over.  According to one industry player, these changes are now being more actively enforced.  All electronics recyclers are encouraged to become familiar with these new guidelines and ensure their handling and transportation of lithium batteries is in sync with the protocol.

Summary information and interpretations of the regulations can be found by following the links:

 

DOT letter to battery recyclers and battery collection points 

  

FAA Battery incident chart  

 

We want to hear from you!  Please send along any R2 related news or information that you think would be important to share with the electronics recycling community. 

Thank you!