TechTurn Receives World's First R2 / RIOS Certification for Electronics Reuse and Recycling

    AUSTIN, TX, January 07, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It took a three-year multi-stakeholder process, facilitated by the U.S. EPA, to develop the first-of-its-kind accredited electronics recycling standard called the Responsible Recycling Practices, or "R2" for short. This new standard fully supported by the U.S. EPA, major computer OEM's such as Lenovo and Dell, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), state and local governments, and the Electronic Recyclers' Industry Association (ISRI) is a stringent set of requirements for electronics recyclers' environmental, worker health and safety, and security practices. R2 includes general principles and specific practices for recyclers disassembling or reclaiming used electronics equipment. The R2 standard can be found at the US EPA's web site: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ecycling/r2practices.htm.

Combining the stringent R2 standard with RIOS--the first integrated quality, environmental, and health & safety (QEH&S) management system developed specifically for the recycling industry--produces the highest standard for electronic reuse and recycling. TechTurn was certified to both standards effective December 21, 2009 becoming the worlds first to be certified to both standards. TechTurn was certified by SGS, an ANAB accredited third party auditor.

"We are excited about this milestone for TechTurn, and encourage all recyclers to pursue certification of these standards," said Jeff Zeigler, TechTurn's founder and CEO. "We were glad to participate in the multi-stakeholder process to develop the R2 / RIOS standards and are thrilled to see the certification process begin. Like our ISO certifications, the R2 / RIOS standards formalize environmental best practices, make our business more efficient, and deliver higher level service to our partners. We continue to invest in quality, compliance, and process improvement. We hope that all electronics reuse and recycling organizations will obtain certification."

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), which represents leading global technology companies, including major manufacturers, has long been an advocate of stringent standards for electronic recyclers and is encouraged by TechTurn's certification. "ITI congratulates TechTurn for being among the first electronics recyclers to become R2 certified," said Rick Goss, Vice President of Environment and Sustainability for ITI. "ITI members have long been leaders in product stewardship initiatives, and we continue to work with and support the R2 process, which has set a high bar for demonstrating sustainable electronics recycling."

The R2/RIOS standard is also supported and endorsed by the electronic recyclers' industry association, ISRI, the largest association with more than 350 member electronic refurbishers and recyclers. "ISRI is proud of TechTurn's achievement as the first R2/RIOS-certified electronics recycler," says ISRI President Robin Wiener. "Our R2/RIOS certification program is designed to be the blueprint for reputable companies that want to be recognized as a Certified Electronics Recycler in today's challenging marketplace. TechTurn's commitment to R2/RIOS is a benchmark for the recycling industry."

In addition to being R2/RIOS certified, TechTurn is also IDC GRADE certified, ISO certified (9001:2008, 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007) and is the world's first Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. To learn more visit www.TechTurn.com.

About TechTurn

TechTurn is an innovative company that provides world class technology recovery and recycling services. Our lean factories, market expertise, and quality systems achieve the highest level of reuse and value for the products that we transform. Our services offer the best economic and environmental solutions to our partners. We offer the highest quality and consistency of rebuilt technology products in the world.

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