Sustainable Electronics Recycling (SERI) released the first major update of the R2 standard since 2013 in July 2020, providing a list of new standards for IT asset disposition enterprises. We have been highlighting R2v3 with a series outlining the updated standards. Read more about the new R2v3 changes including EH&S Management Updates, Data Security, Process Requirements, and Data Sanitization. This week we examine changes to part two of test and repair, and specialty electronics reuse.
Test and Repair part.2: The new standards require that detailed test plans be defined to ensure that equipment and components are working properly, and detailed quality assurance plans be defined to ensure the effectiveness of the tests. Facilities must define a return policy and plan, as well as outline the steps for managing equipment or components that meet and do not meet a REC functional product category. R2v3 requires test and repair be conducted within one year of receipt, or any components to be used in repairs be evaluated and inventoried. The standards require that any data on any equipment being tested be sanitized in accordance with Appendix B-Data Sanitization. R2v3 also requires workers be competent in testing methods, as well as testing and repair be undertaken in accordance with the R2 Reuse Plan, and functional equipment be categorized in accordance with the REC. Facilities are now required to execute the product safety plans to assess the safety of all functional equipment and components and to keep records of the test results for each device.
Specialty Electronics Reuse: R2v3 now requires specialty electronics facilities certified to Appendix D to also be certified to Appendix C-Test and Repair. It also requires testing in accordance with Appendix C-Test and Repair where capable. The new standards define specific steps for verification of specialty electronics that are unable to be tested, as well as specific requirements for the sale of Verified Specialty Electronics. Enterprises are required to process in accordance with R2 for any Verified Specialty Electronics that do not have a positive value and reuse market.
The repair and reuse of retired IT assets expands the lifecycle of the device, and helps reduce the amount of raw materials needed to manufacture more electronics. HOBI International Inc. offers repair and refurbishment services for mobile devices and tablets in our Dallas and Phoenix locations. For more information about our ITAD services call 877-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.