Study: Are Electronics Recycling Standards Making A Difference?
A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study examining the effectiveness of two third-party certification programs for electronic waste recyclers finds that the standards are helping to improve the way that used electronics are recycled in the United States.
The Responsible Recycling Standard for Electronics Recyclers (R2) and the e-Stewards® Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment © (e-Stewards®) are accredited third-party standards for managing used electronics in an effort to protect human health and the environment.
Abt Global assembled a team of experts in electronics recycling to support EPA in examining whether the standards are being implemented transparently and consistently, and if they are achieving the intended results. The study found that the standards are well implemented. It also includes recommendations for improving the overall effectiveness of the standards, such as providing additional training and guidance and making regular updates to the standards.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board.
To read the full study, visit: Implementation Study of the Electronics Recycling Standards: R2 and e-Stewards® website for more information and to learn about other EPA efforts to advance the responsible management of used electronics.
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