New Guidelines Encourage Responsible Recycling of Electronics

Nov. 3, 2008
EPA, as part of a group of recycling stakeholders, developed the new guide “Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices for Use in Accredited Certification Programs for Electronics Recyclers” to promote better environmental, worker safety and public health practices for electronics recyclers.

"There should be no doubt that choosing to reuse or recycle used electronics is the right choice for our environment," said Susan Parker Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "These voluntary guidelines will help assure Americans that their used electronics will be recycled safely and responsibly."

The R2 guide lists 13 principles to help electronics recyclers ensure their material is handled safely and legally in the U.S. and foreign countries. It calls on recyclers to establish a management system for environmental and worker safety; develop a policy that promotes reuse and material recovery over landfill or incineration; and use practices that reduce exposures or emissions during recycling operations. The principles also call for recyclers to use diligence to assure appropriate management of materials throughout the recycling chain, including materials that are exported to foreign countries.

Reusing and recycling used electronics helps the environment by saving energy and conserving natural resources. When improperly managed, however, used electronics can release materials that raise environmental and health concerns.

The workgroup that developed the guidelines represents federal and state governments, electronics manufacturers and recyclers and trade associations. The workgroup will now focus on establishing a certification process, which will allow consumers easily to recognize responsible recyclers in the marketplace.

Information about the guidelines can be found at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/r2practices.htm.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 16, 2025
This free guide will define complacency, explain individual and organizational complacency, provide insights into the contributing factors and give a high-level overview of what...
May 22, 2025
Heat stress is a serious challenge that poses immediate and long-term health effects for workers in high-temperature environments. To combat heat stress, it's critical to educate...
May 15, 2025
Foot safety is a serious concern. At your next safety meeting, give your crew eye-opening facts about feet and how proper footwear matters more than they may know. Show your team...
May 15, 2025
If reimbursing employees for safety footwear is how its always been done, maybe its time to learn about the advantages a managed footwear program can offer instead. See a ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!