SERI has announced Recycle Across America (RAA) as the latest addition to the R2 Recycling Leader program.
The program ‘Let’s Recycle Right’ campaign is designed to support the responsibility of companies and organizations in reusing and recycling used electronics.
During its R2 Leader program participation, RAA in collaboration with SERI will develop education materials on electronics repair and recycling and provide guidance on communication strategies.
RAA is known for its standardized labeling initiative for recycling bins to help the public with proper recycling.
RAA will be a part of a coalition of ten R2 Recycling Leader partners namely, DIRECTV, Goodwill Industries, Greeneye, Keep America Beautiful, Microsoft, Panasonic, Sony America, SourceAmerica, Wistron and Xerox.
Participants will be committed to support sustainable electronics recycling and consider R2 certification when choosing a recycling partner.
Besides, R2 Leaders lead the pilot projects for advance reuse and recycling by providing funds for them or creating new programs for electronics collection, refurbishment or recycling.
Creating engagement on electronics recycling issues encourages responsible recycling. RAA will lend its experience in consumer education and outreach to support electronics recycling, said, Henry Leineweber, program director, SERI.
SERI as well as R2 clearly understand the importance of standardization. Without standardization there can be serious issues like data protection. Due to the complex elements within electronics and the ever-increasing amount of technology, there is no urgency than making sure these items get recycled properly, said Mitch Hedlund, executive director, RAA.
Recycling is the best thing to be done for the environment, the economy and the future on this planet, but only if done right. Without society-wide messaging, recycling is not done properly and therefore manufacturers don’t have access to usable recycled materials. That’s what makes this relationship with SERI synergistic, added, Hedlund.
The R2 Standard was created in 2008, which included U.S. EPA, electronics manufacturers, recycling companies, non-profit organizations, and other groups.
Electronics recycling and refurbishment facilities certified to the R2 Standard follow the best-practices in worker health and safety, environmental protection, chain-of-custody reporting, data security and like that.
Worldwide, 600 facilities are certified to the R2 Standard in 17 countries.