R2 Certification

I did a quick search and was surprised at the small amount of information on the forum regarding R2. Maybe I just typed the wrong search words, but I didnt see much, so will ask my question anyway and apologize for redundancy later:



Has anyone gone through, or currently involved in, the R2 certification process and willing to share insight on their experiences? While I am interested in doing it, I think it would be a good discussion on what to expect, what steps can be taken to make it go easier, what to avoid, cost involved, amount of time it took, etc. Maybe include a brief synopsis of your particular business for reference? I know I can find some info out with a simple Google search, but I'm more interested in what Forum members have to say based on personal experience. Thanks!

If you are talking about R2 Rios . It is hard and takes a lot of time . One of the companies I ship to said they were well prepared . They were doing every thing right . Had all their ducks in a row and still took a lot of time and money. They told me it was worth it . It open a lot of doors. They are in a good size city . I ship my material to them . I use their certification to get more material . By telling my clients all my material will handle to R2 Rios standards . Which I do.

R2 Certification Process

https://sustainableelectronics.org/r...cation-process

Originally Posted by alloy2

R2 Certification Process

https://sustainableelectronics.org/r...cation-process

Yes, that is the one I'm referring to. Anyone with advice or other info that wants to share?

This is defiantly a subject that needs a little more discussion, tks. shendog for starting this thread. I have only just started researching R2, ISO and for my need Calif. requirements. Not only R2 but recycling, waste disposal and the "other" 3R's.

Look forward to this discussion on the forum, not today though. As I'm going to have a Super Bowl day, those that do be safe as I will too! Go Broncos!

Originally Posted by HiTechMike

It is tough, costly and requires tons of preparation, but it opens a lot of doors and shows your companies commitment to best practices. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is, document EVERYTHING and then document some more!

We are R2, RIOS, ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS18001

Tons of preparation...does that mean prior to even starting? Or is that as you go through the process? Did you hire an outside person to help in your Certification, or did you do it all in-house with your personnel? Any tips for someone that hasnt started yet to put them on the best track? Thanks!

From the companies I have talk to . If you are doing everything right . You need to have documentation . Showing each and every step you take. For the certification and the day to day operation. If you are prepared before you start it will go smoother. Plus it will cost you less to get ready. It will make your business more efficient and profitable also. If you are not prepared before you start you will be wasting time and money. Companies I have talk to that thought they were ready still had more to do.

Originally Posted by missouri

From the companies I have talk to . If you are doing everything right . You need to have documentation . Showing each and every step you take. For the certification and the day to day operation. If you are prepared before you start it will go smoother. Plus it will cost you less to get ready. It will make your business more efficient and profitable also. If you are not prepared before you start you will be wasting time and money. Companies I have talk to that thought they were ready still had more to do.

I guess the big question is, what are the "steps" you mentioned...the things to prepare? For instance, day to day operations...what needs to be documented? How things are disassembled? Where they are stored? Downstream destination? Do they get into financial data? Is there specific insurance requirements? Building security issues?

Not trying to dump a lot of questions, just wondering if anyone is willing to provide more detail on specific areas that could save time and effort later. thanks!

If you want to go to the isri convention in Las Vegas in April they are having work shops on R2 Rios .

From the little i have researched about R2 cert, documentation is key. Record all incoming material. Record and have the info for all the downstream vendors for ALL your processed material. Garbage recipes, pcb board vendors, plastics, metal, everything.

Originally Posted by Ewasted

Realistically speaking with diminishing values, tougher markets and more competition, the certification is more challenging to justify. We have it, so "maintenance" is much less resource consuming then implementation. If we have to do it today, I'd may not make the same choice given the market place.

Thanks for the input, and from what I can tell your assessment is spot-on. My situation is a little different in that I may need to get the certification to maintain a particular client. The size and scope justifies the expense, but it appears to be a daunting task to undertake. Having just an R2 downstream may not be enough, hence the research into getting certified. The additional jobs it may generate is an added bonus. I've resisted as long as i think possible, and if there were easier alternatives I would jump at them. We'll see how it plays out, and I really appreciate the input thus far.