What are the requirements for downstream due diligence in the R2 Standard?

Q: What is the purpose of the downstream due diligence requirements in the R2 Standard?

A: The purpose of the downstream due diligence requirements in the R2 Standard is to ensure that all downstream vendors in the recycling chain are operating in conformance with the standard’s requirements for responsible recycling. This includes verifying that downstream vendors are properly managing Focus Materials (FMs), protecting worker health and safety, and complying with all applicable legal requirements.

Q: What are the specific requirements for downstream due diligence in the R2 Standard?

A: The specific requirements for downstream due diligence are outlined in Appendix A of the R2 Standard. These requirements include:

1. Conducting an initial due diligence audit of each downstream vendor to verify their conformance with the R2 Standard’s requirements.
2. Obtaining and maintaining documentation of each downstream vendor’s R2 certification status, as well as their compliance with applicable legal requirements and the R2 Standard’s Focus Material (FM) Management Plan.
3. Conducting ongoing monitoring and audits of downstream vendors to ensure their continued conformance with the R2 Standard’s requirements.
4. Maintaining records of all downstream due diligence activities and making these records available to auditors and other interested parties upon request.

Q: What happens if a downstream vendor is found to be non-conformant with the R2 Standard’s requirements?

A: If a downstream vendor is found to be non-conformant with the R2 Standard’s requirements, the R2 certified facility must take prompt corrective action to address the non-conformance. This may include:

1. Working with the downstream vendor to develop and implement a corrective action plan to address the non-conformance.
2. Suspending or terminating the use of the downstream vendor until the non-conformance has been adequately addressed.
3. Notifying the R2 certification body and other interested parties of the non-conformance and the corrective actions taken.

Failure to properly address non-conformances in the downstream recycling chain can result in the suspension or revocation of an R2 certified facility’s certification status.

By conducting proper downstream due diligence and ensuring the conformance of all downstream vendors, R2 certified facilities can help to promote responsible recycling practices throughout the entire recycling chain. This helps to ensure that electronic equipment is managed safely, legally, and ethically from the point of collection through to final disposition.