Agency Report Finds R2 & e-Stewards Properly Implemented : U.S. EPA: Third Party E-Waste Recycling Standards Properly Audited
An EPA study assessing the implementation of the two third-party certification programs for e- waste recyclers in the U.S. has found that the certification standards are being properly implemented by auditors with thorough knowledge of the standards.
The Environmental Protection Agency explained that the Responsible Recycling Standard for Electronics Recyclers (R2) and the e-Stewards® Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment (e-Stewards®) are accredited third-party standards for the management of used electronics to protect human health and the environment.
In a limited study the agency assessed whether the standards are being implemented transparently and consistently, and if they are achieving the intended results.
Both standards include strong environmental requirements that maximise reuse and recycling, minimise exposure of toxics to human health or the environment, ensure safe management of materials by downstream handlers, and require destruction of all data on used electronics.
The EPA said that the study’s findings are based on stakeholder interviews it conducted and the audits EPA observed, which reflect a small percentage of all certified electronics recycling facilities and auditors working in the electronics recycling industry.
Though limited in number, the agency said that the audits it observed reflected the range of audit types, facility sizes, and services offered by facilities seeking to obtain or maintain certification to the standards.
The study identified a number of strengths in implementation of the standards, such as clear and effective roles and responsibilities among the key implementers, and opportunities for constructive feedback integrated throughout the system.
However, recommendations for improving the overall effectiveness of implementation were also made. These included providing additional training and guidance materials in key topic areas, providing regular updates to the standards and increasing audit times to allow for more thorough audits.
“EPA’s study affirms that e-Stewards and R2 certification programs are helping to improve the responsible management of used electronics in the United States,” commented Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management,
The study was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board.
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