Responsible Recycling

Recycler Certification: EPA has worked with manufacturers, recyclers, states and others to develop stringent and robust practices for safe recycling of discarded electronics both here and abroad. Released in the fall of 2008, the Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices establishes voluntary principles and practices for recyclers disassembling or reclaiming used electronics equipment to follow.

Currently the creators of the Responsible Recycling Practices are working to develop a recycler certification program. Soon electronics recyclers will be able to demonstrate that they comply with these practices and identify themselves as R2 Certified. This “seal of approval” will identify recyclers you can trust to safely manage used electronics.

Guidelines for Materials Management: Issued in 2004, the Plug-In To eCycling Guidelines for Materials Management are voluntary guidelines for sound reuse and recycling of e-waste.

The Guidelines encourage anyone who handles used electronic equipment to:

Maximize reuse, refurbishment, and recycling over disposal and incineration;
Ensure that exported electronic products are being sent for legitimate reuse, recycling, or refurbishment, and provide for special handling of components which may contain substances of concern; and
Ensure that collection, recycling, refurbishing, and disposal facilities follow management practices that are consistent with the Guidelines.

Plug-In To eCycling: Guidelines for Materials Management (PDF) (8 pp, 156K, about PDF)

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Responsible Recycling

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