When it comes to handling used electronics, businesses face a critical question: how do you know your vendor is doing the right thing? At Electronic Asset Security, we’re proud to hold R2 Certification, a globally recognized standard that sets the benchmark for responsible electronics recycling. Here’s why R2 matters, how it works, and what it means for your business in Des Moines and Central Iowa.
R2 Replaces the Need for a Full Vendor Audit
Let’s be honest—no vendor is going to admit to cutting corners. You’ll never hear:
- “We ship untested, broken devices overseas to maximize profits.”
- “We don’t sanitize data on non-functional devices.”
- “We skip proper testing because it costs too much.”
Unfortunately, these practices happen, and without the proper oversight, they can harm your brand and expose you to liability. At Electronic Asset Security, we understand the importance of transparency and accountability. That’s why our R2 Certification ensures you can trust our process from start to finish.
As an R2 Certified Facility, we are independently audited to meet the highest global standards for electronics reuse and recycling. Beyond just being a management system, R2 is focused on real-world outcomes, ensuring:
- Data is securely destroyed.
- Devices are responsibly recycled or reused.
- Every step in the chain of custody protects your brand equity and environmental goals.
Born From Independent Oversight
Not all standards are created equal. Some exist to serve specific industries or interest groups, while others focus solely on management practices without independent audits. R2 stands apart as a truly independent, transparent, and outcomes-driven standard.
Developed by the R2 Technical Advisory Committee (R2 TAC) and administered by the nonprofit organization SERI, R2 is built with input from:
- Recycling and reuse facilities.
- Customers of those facilities.
- Regulators, academics, nonprofits, and industry experts.
This multistakeholder approach ensures that R2 is a comprehensive and globally applicable standard. With oversight from SERI, an ANSI-accredited standards developer, R2 is held to the highest level of accountability—providing peace of mind to businesses in Des Moines and Central Iowa that partner with R2 Certified facilities like Electronic Asset Security.
R2: A Comprehensive Sustainability Standard
When you choose an R2 Certified partner like Electronic Asset Security, you’re not just checking one box—you’re covering data security, environmental responsibility, and worker health and safety all at once. R2 Certification ensures:
- Sensitive data is securely destroyed to eliminate risks.
- Hazardous materials are safely handled to protect the environment.
- Worker safety is prioritized at every step.
This comprehensive approach means businesses in Des Moines and Central Iowa don’t need multiple certifications or audits to ensure their e-waste is managed responsibly.
A Global Standard with Local Impact
Whether your business operates locally or across borders, R2 Certification offers unmatched consistency. With over 1,000 R2 Certified facilities in 41+ countries, the standard enables organizations to harmonize electronics reuse and recycling practices worldwide.
For businesses in Des Moines and Central Iowa, partnering with an R2 Certified facility like Electronic Asset Security ensures you’re meeting the same high standards no matter where your devices are processed.
Encouraging Innovation in a Changing World
The electronics industry is always evolving, from the rise of IoT to shifts in data storage and the transition to mobile devices. Regulations, too, are constantly changing, with international agreements like the Basel Convention setting new expectations.
The strength of R2 lies in its adaptability. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, R2 encourages innovation and flexibility at the facility level. This ensures the standard remains effective in protecting:
- The environment.
- Communities.
- Worker health and safety.
- Sensitive data.
At Electronic Asset Security, we’re proud to use this flexibility to stay ahead of industry changes and continue delivering sustainable, secure solutions to our clients in Des Moines and Central Iowa.
The Bottom Line: R2 Certification Protects Your Business and the Planet
When you partner with Electronic Asset Security, you’re choosing a facility that doesn’t just meet minimum requirements—we exceed them. Our R2 Certification ensures your used electronics are handled responsibly, securely, and sustainably, giving you confidence in every step of the process.