Quick Links

SERI Launches new website with enhanced R2 Recycler Directory

SERI has launched a complete redesign of its website, SustainableElectronics.org. The most obvious change to the site is a visual refresh and reorganization of the site's content to improve user-experience, but there are many other features as well. A few new features that visitors should be aware of include:

 

Find a Recycler - The Find a Recycler directory has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. The directory now updates daily, as opposed to weekly, and includes information on types of materials accepted, recycling processes, and consumer drop-off availability.  Additionally, users can filter or search by any category, and either download their search results to an Excel file, or create a permanent link to the search to share electronically.

 

R2 Document Library - The new website features a unified document library for the R2 Standard and all related documents. Users of the site now have access to the latest version of the standard and supporting documents in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with French and Chinese to be added in the coming weeks.

 

Process information - SERI also made a point to include references and guides to relevant processes. These include an updated guide on getting certified, information on the TAC and how the R2 Standard is updated in accordance with American National Standard Institute (ANSI) procedures, and other information on how SERI operates.

 

SERI hopes all visitors to SustainableElectronics.org find the website useful, intuitive, and enjoyable to use. We have spent the better part of the last 8 months redesigning and updating the site, and we welcome any and all feedback on the new design.

 

Understanding the Transfer Process for Changing Certifying Bodies

Occasionally certified companies decide to change Certifying Bodies (CBs).  To ensure the smooth transfer of your R2 Certificate and continued listing on the R2 Certified Directory, it is important that the following steps are followed. 


 

  1. The recycler should inform their current (CB) of the intended transfer as soon as the contract is finalized with the new "accepting" CB.
     
  2. The recycler should also inform SERI's Director of Quality of the intended transfer.
     
  3. The new CB will request documentation from the recycler for the pre-transfer review.
     
  4. The new CB will do a pre-transfer review, to ensure that the recycler's current certificate is in good standing and can be transferred successfully.  In most cases, an offsite audit will be conducted to verify the implementation of corrective actions, scope etc.  An onsite audit is done when more significant issues need to be investigated such as changes in company ownership, incomplete closure of non-conformances, or changes in scope etc.
     
  5. A pre-transfer review will include a review of the following:  
    • Scope of certified activities.
    • Reasons for transfer.
    • A consideration of the last certification or recertification audit reports, subsequent surveillance reports and any outstanding non-conformities that may arise from them.
    • Any other available, relevant documentation regarding the certification process i.e. handwritten notes, checklists.
    • Any complaints and/or actions taken
    • Any outstanding legal compliance issues with regulatory bodies.
       
  6. If the pre-transfer review is completed successfully with no outstanding issues, the new accepting CB issues an R2 Certificate. The expiration date of the certificate will be identical to the one on the original certificate issued by the previous CB -- unless the accepting CB has conducted a full recertification audit.
     
  7. The accepting CB should forward a copy of the certificate to SERI.
     
  8. SERI will update its database and website on the basis of the new certificate.
     
  9. The recycler's ongoing surveillance schedule will continue based on their previous certification schedule - unless the new CB has conducted a full certification audit (also referred to as a registration audit). 
     

Reference document: IAF Mandatory Document MD2:2007  

R2 Leaders meet for summit in Austin

Over a dozen members of SERI's R2 Leader program met in Austin, Texas earlier this month, to discuss their respective sustainability goals, and to collaborate on projects to advance responsible electronics recycling.

 

Meeting at Microsoft's Austin offices, the summit was the first of its kind for the R2 Leaders program. Attendees discussed common challenges in sustainability and electronics recycling, and identified opportunities to work with SERI to address issues that included regulatory compliance, data security, and end-markets for materials.

 

The remainder of the two-day meeting was devoted to Leadership Projects. As part of their commitment to the R2 Leaders program, participants select a project to collaborate on with other R2 Leaders.

 

One R2 Leader project involves the collection of used electronics. Participants discussed options involving improved education and outreach materials, potential collection events, and other mechanisms designed to improve consumer confidence that electronics turned in for recycling will be properly managed.

 

The other project is a continuation of SERI's current work with R2 Leaders and other stakeholders to expand access to R2 certification in emerging markets. This project focuses specifically on recyclers in Central and South America, and will work to identify good candidates for certification and will assist them in the certification process.

 

The R2 Leader program provides a platform for business and environmental leaders to collaborate on common goals and more quickly advance the cause of safe and sustainable electronics recycling and reuse.   R2 Leader projects are self-organized, meaning the participants themselves are the primary drivers in determining the project scope, budget, stakeholders, and other key elements.  In the past year, the program has made significant progress in advancing SERI goals.  We look forward to releasing a full report on the changing landscape for responsible electronics recycling in Latin America later this fall.

 

 

 

Participate in Industry Survey: 

"How is the e-waste industry maturing?"

As the e-scrap industry continues to expand, one of the most interesting questions is "how is the e-waste industry maturing?"

 

To better understand this impact, Gracestone, Inc. & Arcadian Solutions (small consultancies with in-depth expertise on most aspects of global end-of-life-electronics management) are asking you to complete this short survey - it should take about 10-15 minutes. 

 

Follow this link to share your opinion:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/e-waste-2015 

 

Survey findings will be presented at the E-Scrap Conference, September 2-3, 2015, in Orlando, FL, and elsewhere (to be announced).

 

This survey has been conducted over the past few years and has been upgraded in response to feedback from past respondents. Last year's findings are available at http://arcadiansolutions.com/products-downloads/reports/

 

Please respond by July 31, 2015.


 

Used Cell Phones and the Reuse Requirements of Provision 6

 

Cell Phones in the United States are easy to obtain, generally affordable with a one or two year contract, and are routinely upgraded.  Consumers in many other parts of the world, however, do not have access to credit and must pay the full price for the hardware upfront.  This makes used cell phones an affordable and attractive option for consumers in such markets.  Affordability is particularly important in areas that lack a fully established network infrastructure.  Consumers may need to rely on multiple devices, each serviced by different cellular carriers, in order to stay connected as they travel. 

 

Effective testing and reuse of retired phones within the U.S. market can help supply the growing demand for used cellular phones in emerging markets.  It is important not to lose sight, however, of the importance of accountability and responsible reuse practices in the face of growing global demand for used cell phones.

 

One important consideration is data security.  Cell phones use memory chips for storage which may not be effectively overwritten with traditional overwrite techniques for hard drives.  Each phone contains a "Master Reset" function to restore it to factory defaults.  The master reset function, however, is not always effective at completely erasing data.  Even though the phone may appear to be cleared of photos and other data, freely available data recovery software can identify photos and other data that still remains hidden in the phone.   Robust verification is essential to a legitimate data wiping operation during refurbishment.

 

Another challenge for refurbishers is the issue of Apple Locked phones.  Highly valuable iPhones are sometimes locked by the iCloud account of the previous user (Find My iPhone - Activation Lock).  This is a great theft deterrent and protects user data.  However, this is not a device function, and consequently, prevents refurbishers from accessing, testing, or data clearing of legitimate trade-in phones.  At present, no solution is known.  The only option is to periodically try to unlock the phone to see if the previous user has released the Apple Lock.  Unless the lock has been released so that the phone can be properly tested and cleared of data, locked phones have no legitimate resale value under the R2 requirements of Provision 6.   

 

Additionally, the technical capabilities of the refurbisher must be considered.  They must possess the expertise to effectively test the key functions of a cell phone including:  the ability of a battery to hold a charge, the ability to make a call, the functionality of the speaker and microphone, and the functionality of the keys or touch screen.  R2 certified companies selling phones for reuse must be able to demonstrate effective testing methods of these key functions.   

 

Provisions 6 of the R2 Standard has set a high bar for testing and reuse of devices.  Though the market value of a cell phone may be high, it cannot be sold for reuse unless it has been properly tested.  R2 Certified recyclers are required to ensure legitimate reuse and must not pass potential problems downstream.  Examples of legitimate reuse in such cases may be to harvest working parts, or to combine the working parts of multiple failed phones into working phones.  Cell phone refurbishment is a specialized skill and legitimate reuse is most likely to pass through a company with cell phone testing and repair as their primary business. 
 

Bi-Monthly Webinars/Conference Calls

 

R2 Certified Recycler/Refurbisher Webinar

September 16, 12:00pm  (Eastern Time)

A discussion of implementation questions and issues common to R2 certified companies.  If your company is R2 certified and you are not currently receiving invitations for this bi-monthly event, please contact [email protected]


 

R2 Auditor Webinar

August 19, 7:00pm  (Eastern Time)

A discussion of questions and issues common to R2 auditors.  If you are an approved auditor for the R2 Standard and are not receiving invitations for this bi-monthly event, please contact [email protected]

R2 Training Webinars
Intro to R2
An overview of the R2 Standard requirements,
and the steps and costs
of certification.

Mon. July 27
10:00am-11:15am (CDT)

Mon. August 10
10:00am-11:15am (CDT)

Wed. August 26
10:00am-11:15am (CDT)


NO CHARGE to attend.
Advanced R2 Training
This interactive 5-hour course covers the requirements of the R2 Standard in detail. Auditors, consultants and facility managers are welcome to attend.

Tues. August 11
10:00am-3:00pm (CDT)

Tues. September 14
10:00am-3:00pm (CDT)

Cost: $300
Marketing Workshop
Making the most of
your R2 Certification
Learn strategies for building your business and marketing your R2 Certification from Bob McCarthy who successfully landed many Fortune 500 accounts during his tenure as VP of Business Development at a large electronics remarketing and recycling firm. Bob has more than 15 years of industry experience.

Tues. Aug. 18
10:00am-11:00am (CDT)

FREE of charge for:
R2 certified companies and companies that are pursuing certification and have paid the R2 license fee.

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our profile on LinkedIn   Visit our blog
Copyright � 2015. All Rights Reserved.