eRecyclingCorps Achieves Premier Level of Recycling Certification

IRVING, Texas, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- eRecyclingCorps (eRC), the world's leading provider of carrier-grade mobile device trade-in solutions, announced today that it has achieved both Responsible Recycling (R2) and Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS) certifications for its Irving, Texas headquarters. R2/RIOS™, an international mark of excellence for electronics recyclers, demonstrates that eRC is operating at the highest industry standards for the refurbishment of quality wireless devices, consumer data protection, environmental responsibility and employee health and safety.  eRC is one of the first device trade-in providers in the world to achieve both rigorous certifications, highlighting the company's market leadership in preserving the environment and supporting industry best practices.

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"As one of the first in its industry to receive R2/RIOS™ certification, eRecyclingCorps is commended for taking the necessary steps to maintain its competitive edge in the ever-prospering mobile device trade-in and reuse business," said Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI).  "Achieving certification showcases eRC's dedication to operating with the highest industry standards and in an environmentally sound manner."

R2/RIOS™ is the combination of two strict industry standards that ensures device trade-in providers and recyclers are deploying an efficient operations management system that complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and promotes safe, environmentally sound practices for domestic and international trade. The integrated program expands on eRC's recent ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 international certifications for quality, environment, health and safety (QEH&S) standards. 

Safe and responsible handling of electronics is emphasized through the "reuse and recycle" methodology, including stringent material management and recovery and tracking accountability. Certification ensures only tested functional wireless devices and commodity-grade raw materials are returned back into the marketplace, minimizing e-waste while extending the lifecycle of high-quality mobile devices. Furthermore, R2/RIOS™ ensures consumer safety and protection from identity theft by requiring thorough data destruction and a documented sourcing chain that adheres to HIPAA regulations.

"Achieving R2/RIOS™ certification—the gold standard for recycling—in addition to ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 are significant milestones for both eRecyclingCorps and our industry," said David Edmondson, CEO of eRC. "The certifications send a clear signal to our partners that the devices eRecyclingCorps collects are recycled and redistributed responsibly and securely, giving carriers and retailers the confidence to expand their trade-in programs and consumers an added level of confidence to trade-in their old phones."

To earn the certifications, eRC's Irving offices underwent a comprehensive third-party audit by NFS International Strategic Registration (NSF-ISR).

About eRecyclingCorps

eRecyclingCorps (eRC) is the world's leading provider of carrier-grade wireless device trade-in solutions. Founded in 2009 to provide a scalable model to repurpose and reuse perceptually obsolete devices, eRC partners with global wireless carriers and retailers to provide instant, in-store trade-in credit. eRC renews and refurbishes wireless devices in accordance with the R2/RIOS™ certification standards. The devices are resold to consumers around the world, extending access to affordable, high-quality wireless technology in emerging markets.  eRC completed more than seven million wireless device trade-ins worldwide in 2012. eRC operates in ten countries and partners with leading carriers including Sprint, Verizon and TELUS at more than 10,000 retail locations worldwide. For more information, please visit erecyclingcorps.com.

SOURCE eRecycling Corps