Interco Continues to Lead Responsible Recycling
Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) has announced through the newly released R2v3 Standard. An update to the “Sustainable Electronics Reuse & Recycling (R2) Standard,” recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Additionally, the organization claims that it is the “only approved American National Standard for responsible electronics reuse and recycling.”
Interco is proud to continue as a R2 certified provider.
Adopted by the SERI Board of Directors by a unanimous vote — R2v3 — is the next evolution of the R2 Standard.
Prior to the news release, Interco became the second electronics refurbishing and recycling company in the world to achieve the coveted Responsible Recycling R2v3 Standard Certification, managed by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI). Furthermore, it is significant that the R2v3 Standard offered general principles and practices for IT equipment disposal vendors.
Each year, Interco continues to comply with the regulations in this standard. Proposed changes to the updated R2v3 standard include new structure, requirements strengthened in key areas, and clarifies requirements and expectations.
Interco’s History with the R2 Standard
Certified R2 Facilities requires an audit. Additionally, certification entails organizations to meet all the R2 core requirements, as well as, R2 process requirements.
R2v3 Standard Focus Materials:
- PCBS
- Mercury Containing Material
- CRTs and CRT Glass
- Batteries
- Circuit Boards and Circuit Board Containing Material
The list of focus materials is an significant piece of the R2v3 Standard. So, companies must dispose of materials properly. As corporations export more and more materials, the demand for proper disposal becomes even more grave. Nobody wants to absorb the liability or take responsibility for the contamination of the environment home or abroad. In addition, the long-term health consequences from ignoring this problem is far too great. Maintaining the highest standards of care with the proper documentation and processes is crucial for a greener legacy.
Furthermore, another important piece of the certification process is the management of focus materials. This includes supply chain management from the acquisition of the materials to the recycler to the movement of the materials to their final disposition. For example, if Company A purchases circuits boards and then sells them to Company B, Company A must audit Company B to make sure that B is properly handling the material. If Company B sells to Company C, Company A must know the practices that Company C enlists, as well.
In short, the R2 Standard forces a company to follow their electronic material to an end-consumer. Companies must track how the downstream companies use materials to create new products.
Interco Leads the Industry in Responsible Recycling Practices
Overall, it is important to note that Interco is a leading North American nonferrous scrap metals recycling company located just across the river from St. Louis in Madison, Illinois. Interco recycles mixed scrap loads. In addition, our suppliers can ship a truckload of material (usually 40,000+ pounds) – with any combination of the above items. There is no minimum quantity per item, they just need separation either by bale or by gaylord box.
To learn more about Interco’s mixed scrap recycling services, click here.