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The Top 3 R2 Certification Best Practices

Whether you’re an established mobile processor, scrappy electronics recycling start-up, or one-man mobile refurbisher, a Responsible Recycling (R2) certification can be a boon for your business. The globally recognized R2 standard governs the responsible use of electronics recycling practices. R2 certification independently validates that an organization manages equipment in an environmentally sustainable way, handles data responsibly, and has enacted safeguards to protect the health and safety of workers and the public.

Earning and maintaining R2 certification is a commitment – but a worthwhile one. To get certified, you must first implement a robust quality management system and pass internal and external audits. Once your certification is received, you are required to diligently maintain your system and remain prepared for recertification and surveillance audits. Success is reliant on three best practices: organization, a process mindset, and communication with downstream vendors.

Here's an introduction to the R2 standard – and advice about how to implement and maintain your certification.

Why Get R2 Certified?

R2 certification can help you qualify for carrier auctions, establish your brand, attract new customers, encourage more repeat sales and, ultimately, scale your business.

Additionally, R2 certification:

Signals your due diligence to OEMs

Instills public confidence and increases consumer confidence

Allows you to secure business from organizations that exclusively work with certified companies

Demonstrates your compliance with laws and regulations

Minimizes liability and reduces your insurance costs

Further, the management system you implement will teach your organization to work more efficiently – and can ultimately result in higher-quality products that attract new business and encourage repeat sales.

3 R2 Certification Best Practices

1. Stay Organized

Documentation is foundational to the R2 certification process (or any standards certification process, for that matter). As you implement and maintain your system, you will inevitably accumulate a high volume of official documentation and informal communication spread across emails, memos and meeting notes. If you lack a system of organization, and documents aren’t saved in a central location, it’s easy for important information to slip between the cracks – which could impair your ability to properly maintain your management system. To remain certified, you must be organized. It is recommended that you:

Keep documentation in a centralized, preferably digital, repository

Promptly add new documentation to the repository

Ensure all relevant stakeholders have easy access to the repository

Routinely review documentation

2. Adopt a Process Mindset

R2 certification is not a “one and done” event. It is a process that requires routine attention and maintenance. The management system you implement is a living thing – and is something that should guide the way your organization conducts business. To breeze through surveillance and recertification audits, adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and maintenance. Do this by:

Regularly meeting with stakeholders to discuss and plan compliance-related activities

Communicating with all involved parties to ensure alignment

Informing management about any changes or proposed improvements

3. Communicate with Downstream Vendors

You must be aware of the standards any downstream vendors (DSV) maintain to keep your R2 certification. When you communicate with vendors, ask if they have adopted or dropped any standards since your last meeting. You can create and update flow charts with their information to include in your repository of documents.

How to Get Started

Industries, including mobile processing, electronics recycling, manufacturing, and IT, are increasingly adopting R2 standards. If your organization wants to qualify for carrier auctions, instill trust in your brand, and scale, you should consider R2 certification. If you aren’t sure whether R2 or another standard would be most appropriate, ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 consulting and internal auditing services can help. ISO and R2 recycling certification consultants can help you navigate the complicated certification process and implement standards that will allow you to demonstrate your commitment to high quality and differentiate you from competitors.