![]() ![]() On the other hand, the EPA endorses and supports both certifications, providing technical assistance to both. In short, SERI prides itself on its looser approach, since it sees the method as a way to use e-waste to its greatest potential.Īnd as far as legality goes, the R2:2013 standard states all international trade must be legally in compliance, with documentation, by “all importing, transit and exporting countries.” The device would be broken down for raw materials and a lot of the value of the device would be lost. The SERI report also states that any non-working electronic device would be deemed hazardous and not allowed to be exported for refurbishment under e-Stewards standards. It argues that shipping out waste is a good thing, which allows more “flexibility” with other companies that have been R2 certified, “when it’s legally permitted.” It also states that it allows other parts of the world greater access to used, refurbished technology, and adds to the amount of safe, up-to-date R2 recycling facilities in other parts of the world. Meanwhile another report, released by SERI (remember, the R2 supervising body) covering the R2:2013 standard, claimed R2 is superior in that it allows e-waste to be reused, rather than focusing so heavily on just waste management. The e-Stewards About page even details its split with R2 over the issue of other countries’ importing laws and the disposal of toxic waste. R2 is also vague about respecting the import laws of other countries, “allowing the recycler to decide what’s legal,” according to the report. One of the main complaints about R2 is its lackadaisical approach to the export of e-waste, and the most heavily criticized component of R2 is its allowance of sending hazardous e-waste out to other R2-certified companies in developing countries. ![]() Indeed, the R2:2013 standard still lists land disposal as an option if “no reuse or recycling options are viable.”įurther, the Electronics TakeBack Coalition released a comparison chart between R2 and e-Stewards in 2010, overall making e-Stewards look like a more comprehensive program. R2 allows unrestricted use of landfill and incineration of non-toxic materials.” For instance, a news post on the site in 2012 stated that, “R2 is lousy with loopholes and R2 recyclers may send e-waste to landfill or incineration whenever they deem it ‘technically and economically’ more feasible than, say, handling it appropriately. Many people have their favorite certification, and there’s some vehemence flying between the two groups. Here’s where the two certifications get difficult. R2 and e-Stewards: a side-by-side comparison Let’s look more in-depth at what these certifications imply and why it’s not such a cut-and-dry issue. While similar, they are anything but identical, and it has caused a bit of controversy. ![]() That’s all well and good, but these official definitions make the certifications look like the same thing. SERI (the non-profit in charge of the R2 certification) defines R2 as, “The premier global environmental, worker health and safety standard for the electronics refurbishing and recycling industry R2 Certification is improving electronics recycling practices around the world by ensuring accountability and adherence to the highest industry standards for data security and the protection of workers and the environment.”įacility certification for R2 involves an 11-step process including reviews, audits, reports and corrective action if required. The primary goal is to stop the export of illegal hazardous e-waste to lesser-developed countries.Ĭompanies under the e-Stewards certification are held accountable through audits conducted by accredited certification bodies. Hazardous e-waste may be traded between developed counties as long as it’s legal. It allows export of safe electronics like non-toxic steel, plastics, aluminum or functional, safe used equipment. That means it works to stop exporting illegal hazardous e-waste to other nations. But what are they really, why should we care and is one really superior to the other? Below we’ll explore what the certifications are and what they really mean.Īccording to the e-Stewards website, “e-Stewards is a global team of individuals, institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies upholding a safe, ethical and globally responsible standard for e-waste recycling and refurbishment.” ![]() You’ve probably even heard that they’re certifications, and possibly that one is better than the other. You might see the R2 and e-Stewards terms tossed around in regards to recycling and e-waste. ![]()
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