Interco Continues to Lead Responsible Recycling

Interco Continues to Lead Responsible Recycling
Interco Continues to Lead Responsible Recycling

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
Interco’s History with the R2 Standard

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:

  1. PCBS
  2. Mercury Containing Material
  3. CRTs and CRT Glass
  4. Batteries
  5. 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 BCompany A must audit Company B to make sure that B is properly handling the material. If Company B sells to Company CCompany 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
Interco Leads the Industry in Responsible Recycling Practices

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.

Interco Certifications

Interco has achieved certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). in addition, Interco is certified Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (ISO 45001) and by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) organization. The Interco Certifications are very important.

Interco has achieved the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification. This standard specifies requirements for a company’s quality management system (QMS). By implementing and following the highest standards, Interco operates in a more efficient and effective manner. This helps Interco maintain and increase customer satisfaction by reducing waste. It also helps Interco increase and then maintain productivity throughout the organization. Interco Certifications are very important.

Interco Certifications: ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

Interco has achieved the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification. This standard specifies requirements for a company’s quality management.

As an ISO 9001 certified company, Interco maintains an internationally accepted uniform quality system. This system is universally accepted as best practice. Moreover, the ISO 9001 practices help Interco provide the highest levels of customer service. It also ensures the products Interco handles and provides its material in the best manner possible.

Interco Certifications: ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

Interco Certifications

In addition to maintaining the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems standards, Interco achieved ISO 14001. This certification maintains the standards of care reflected in the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification. The implementation of the ISO 14001 standards helps Interco manage the highest standards and guidelines of environmental regulation and process. By maintaining the highest standards of environmental awareness and care, Interco is able to reduce its environmental impact.

As a recycling company, it is important that Interco constantly seek to improve in this manner. Accordingly, this standard of certification helps Interco demonstrate the highest levels of environmental quality and conformity. Interco does this through strict adherence to environmental performance and continuous improvement.

Interco Certifications: ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series Management System

Interco Certifications

Moreover, in maintaining the highest standards of health and safety, Interco has adopted and maintained the ISO 45001 standards. The ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series Management System standards of certification are very important. They help Interco identify and control potential health and safety risks throughout the company and the tangential supply chain within which Interco is a critical cog.

In addition, its implementation helps Interco reduce the potential for accidents and danger while improving the overall health, safety, and performance levels across the company. The ISO 45001 standard is internationally accepted as the highest standard of health and safety management in existence.

Interco Certifications: R2V3 Responsible Recycling Standard

Interco Certifications

It is also important to note that Interco was only the second electronics recycling company in the world to achieve the R2:2013 standard and currently holds the R2v3 Responsible Recycling Standard Certification. The R2v3 Standard Certification focuses on the environmental impact of electronics recycling. Its subsequent affects benefit the health and welfare of both the environment and its inhabitants. Interco is R2v3 certified at its Edwardsville, Illinois facility where the company conducts its electronics recycling operations.

It is by far the highest standard of environmental social responsibility on the planet. Moreover, it combines a standard set of safety measures with best practices and documentation requirements to help Interco maintain the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

Interco is certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and R2v3 at its Edwardsville, Illinois facility where the company conducts its electronics recycling operations as well.