BIZPHYX works with clients to implement environmental certifications like ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2, the electronics recycling standard.  We are big fans of SERI, (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International), the standard’s governing or housing body.  Their leadership has put into action several programs that elevate the value of the R2 as an “audited” standard.  Anyone can say that they are “green” or that they recycle, but what does that really mean and how can a claim be substantiated?

When a standard is audited by a third-party, it means a great deal.  R2 is already a fully audited standard (certification and internal audits).  SERI has stepped up the game with R2 even further, by implementing “spot audits” of R2 certified facilities.  Six have been conducted since the program began this past summer.  SERI has stated that these audits are part of their continuing effort to raise the bar on quality within the electronics industry in general and with R2 certified facilities in particular.

Here are some of the tactics used in the spot audits (courtesy of SERI’s R2 Update):

• Spot audits include a facility walk-through by SERI’s assessor

• Interviews with facility employees

• A review of records and documentation required by the R2 Standard

• The audits can last up to a 1/2 day and are either unannounced or with very short notice

• They are not done in conjunction with the certifying body, therefore they are more consultative in nature offering organizations suggestions for improvement

The best part?  Collaboration on findings.  SERI states that trends, observations, best practices and lessons learned will be shared with certification bodies (CBOs), auditors and recyclers, during regularly scheduled conference calls and in SERI publications like their R2 Update newsletter.

We think this a great new program and it solidifies to us, that R2 is THE electronics recycling standard to implement.  R2 and SERI are framed in such a way that they will continue to have a significant impact on the mounting global problem of e-waste by fostering and driving proper, safe and sustainable recycling standards.  Hats off to SERI!  They are serious about the business of electronics recycling standards.

If you would like more information on R2 implementations and the requirements necessary to certify to the standard, please contact bclancy@bizphyx.com.  To learn more about the R2 standard, SERI, the R2 Leaders program and more about electronics recycling, please visit the SERI website.  For additional white papers, case studies and podcasts on environmental and other ISO bases standard, visit our knowledge base.