Sircel has obtained R2v3 certification. What does this mean?

Following a rigorous nine-month audit process, Sircel has obtained our R2v3 certification at our Villawood (90 Marple Ave) site.

But what does an R2v3 certification mean? And why is it important to our partners and clients?

R2v3 signifies our commitment to advanced e-waste recycling processes and the strictest data security measures. Only 13 other recycling businesses in Australia have achieved this certification, and only three others have Appendix E* within their scope.

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally, yet end-of-life planning for this stream rarely receives enough attention. Businesses and government agencies often overlook crucial questions like, where does this waste and sensitive data end up? Who is responsible for managing it? And how can we ensure its processed correctly? Unless your recycling partner is R2v3 certified, there are no guarantees that your data is securely destroyed and you may be held responsible for data leaks, due to mishandling of old devices.

What is R2v3 certification?

Established by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), R2 certification stands for "Responsible Recycling" and is a global standard for ethical, best-practice recycling of electronics.

It’s the most widely adopted certification of its kind, and it’s a requirement for any business dealing with sensitive information, such as banks, hospitals, government bodies and e-waste recyclers like Sircel.

R2v3 is about managing a secure downstream process, which ensures any device with data on it is tracked and accounted for, right through to end of life (destruction).

Why is R2v3 certification important?

Nearly every business in the world utilises electronic devices. Computers, monitors, phones and home appliances, are all things that simplify our lives and increase productivity. And yet, if we do not dispose of these electronics safely, we could become susceptible to a wide range of data security risks. Even today, many Australian recyclers continue to ship our e-waste offshore, and with that our precious metals and data. To ensure the safe (and circular) reuse of electronics and their valuable commodities, we require a strategic system and a globally-consistent certification model.

That’s where R2v3 comes in.

Certification is crucial because it guarantees that e-waste is managed responsibly, protecting the environment and ensuring safe data destruction. It ensures compliance with environmental regulations, promotes operational efficiency through continuous improvement, and builds trust with clients and partners. By adhering to these rigorous standards, we can help safeguard data security and contribute to more sustainable business practices.

How did Sircel get R2v3 certified?

The R2v3 certification process requires a business to document the procedures taking place at their facility. This includes keeping evidence, such as records of data destruction, the flow of equipment and materials through a facility, monitoring, proof of legality for trans-boundary shipments and other records or evidence that demonstrate compliance with each R2v3 requirement.

Following a rigorous nine-month journey, an independent auditor from a SERI-approved Certification body visited our Villawood site (90 Marple Ave.), where Sircel successfully ticked all the boxes for R2v3 Certification.

Why our partners can trust Sircel to responsibly manage their e-waste.

R2v3 is widely recognised as one of the hardest recycling industry accreditations to obtain. It signifies that we adhere to strict standards when recycling electronics, including prioritising reuse, stringent data handling and erasure, and rigorous approval processes of our downstream partners.

Our R2v3 Certification at our Villawood (90 Marple Ave.) ensures compliance with regulations and reflects a commitment to sustainability, providing our partners with peace of mind and a boost to their corporate reputation. It also provides significant ESG reporting benefits to companies looking to improve targets.

• Environmental: our R2v3 Certification ensures responsible recycling and minimises environmental impact.
• Social: we prioritise secure data destruction, protecting stakeholder information and promoting trust.
• Governance: our adherence to rigorous standards and transparency in operations reinforces ethical practices and regulatory compliance, enhancing our partners' commitment to sustainability and responsible management.

Addressing the global e-waste crisis requires collective action, which is why we are committed to forging innovative partnerships with organisations dedicated to developing improved waste management systems.

*Appendix E defines specific requirements for dismantling processes of electronic equipment, components or material streams that are destined for materials recovery.

REFERENCES

• https://sustainableelectronics.org/welcome-to-r2v3/
• https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/pages/d347d42b-d755-481b-bc38-71683b5d1958/files/e-stewardship-executive-summary-2021.pdf