DirecTV, Microsoft, Panasonic, Sony and Xerox are among the founding partners of the R2 Responsible Recycling Leader Program, which encourages companies to responsibly reuse and recycle electronics. The program is a coalition of 10 partners and includes Goodwill Industries International, Greeneye Partners, Keep America Beautiful, SourceAmerica and Wistron Corporation.
The R2 electronics recycling standard and certification process is managed by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI).
"Since the creation of the R2 Standard for responsible electronics recycling in 2008, we have consistently heard from companies and organizations that wanted to support reuse and recycling efforts," John Lingelbach, Executive Director of SERI, said in a statement. "Our partners in launching this program have taken on truly commendable leadership roles in managing used electronics. Working in tandem with these leaders who share our vision will significantly accelerate progress in developing responsible e-waste reuse and recycling policies, programs and facilities."
Participating companies and organizations commit to support R2-certified electronics refurbishment and recycling and to consider R2 certification when choosing a recycling partner.
“R2 Leaders also take a leadership role in a project to advance responsible reuse and/or recycling around the world, such as funding pilot projects for responsible recycling in developing countries, or creating new programs for electronics collection, refurbishment or recycling” said the press release.
Peter Fannon, Panasonic's VP of Corporate & Government Affairs for North America, said in a statement: “We are proud of our Founding Leader role in this new R2 program, as it reflects Panasonic’s global commitment to environmental stewardship and extends our own recycling education and outreach initiatives.”
Electronics recycling reached an all-time high last year — a record 620 million pounds of electronics were recycled in the US, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) — an increase of 35 million pounds over 2012 level of 585 million pounds. DIRECTV, one of the founders of the R2 Leader program was also identified as one of the Initiative Leaders in CEA's report along with Apple, best Buy and Dell.
Speaking of Dell, the electronics giant has launched a number of bold initiatives as part of its goal oo eliminate e-waste — the company was the first to voluntarily ban the export of nonworking e-waste to the third world; in April, it launched an ecycling exchange in Kenya, establishing more control and regulation to ensure that electronics are recycled in a more responsible way, while also creating microfinance and economic empowerment opportunities for women; and last month Dell announced its new closed-loop supply chain, developed in partnership with Wistron GreenTech, which will turn plastics from recycled electronics back into new systems, helping to drive a circular economy for IT.
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Published Jun 11, 2014 2pm EDT / 11am PDT / 7pm BST / 8pm CEST