STAMFORD, Conn. (June 9, 2014) — SERI today announced the R2 Leader program, which is designed to support efforts by companies and organizations to advance the responsible reuse and recycling of used electronics.
Keep America Beautiful is among the initial coalition of 10 R2 Leaders partners. Other partners include DIRECTV, Goodwill Industries International, Greeneye Partners, Microsoft, Panasonic, Sony America, SourceAmerica, Wistron Corporation and Xerox.
The program includes a commitment from participating companies and organizations to support R2 certified electronics refurbishment and recycling, as well as consider R2 certification when choosing a recycling partner. Importantly, R2 Leaders also take a leadership role in a project to advance responsible reuse and/or recycling around the world, such as funding pilot projects for responsible recycling in developing countries, or creating new programs for electronics collection, refurbishment or recycling.
“Since the creation of the R2 Standard for responsible electronics recycling in 2008, we have consistently heard from companies and organizations that wanted to support reuse and recycling efforts,” said John Lingelbach, executive director of SERI. “Our partners in launching this program have taken on truly commendable leadership roles in managing used electronics. I am excited to work with them in helping develop responsible e-waste reuse and recycling policies, programs and facilities.”
The R2 Standard was created in 2008 through a multi-stakeholder process that included the U.S. EPA, electronics manufacturers, recycling companies, non-profit organizations, and other groups. Electronics recycling and refurbishment facilities certified to the R2 Standard adhere to best-practices in worker health and safety, environmental protection, chain-of-custody reporting, data security, and other areas. Worldwide, over 540 facilities are certified to the R2 Standard in 17 countries.
About SERI
SERI, formerly R2 Solutions, is a 501c3 non-profit organization (application pending) that undertakes educational and other activities to advance responsible electronics reuse and recycling around the world. It is the housing body for the R2 Standard. More information can be found at www.sustainableelectronics.org.
About Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a national network of community-based affiliates, we work with millions of volunteers who take action in their communities to transform public spaces into beautiful places. Through our programs and public-private partnerships, we engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment. For more information, visit kab.org, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or view us on YouTube.