Why Recycling Electronics Matters

Why it matters what you

do with old electronics

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As of 2014—

7 billion mobile subscriptions for world population of 7.2 billion.

More than 75% are in developing countries.

Source: ITU

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Global access to both new & refurbished electronic devices continues to expand rapidly

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Bridging the Digital Divide

Estimated internet access as of 2014:

• 44% of world’s households with internet access.

• 31% of households in developingcountries with internet access.

• 45% of the world’s internet users from the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: ITU

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Unintended consequences of the global technology boom

An estimated 50 million tons of e-waste is generated each year.

80-85% of unwanted electronics going to landfills or incinerators

Source: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

• Global demand for electronics rapidly increases.

• Devices become obsolete and are replaced with greater frequency.

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Improper management of used electronics has caused devastating harm to the environment and to people. This problem grows as:

The growing global challenge

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Nowhere are the consequences more apparent than in Guiyu, China.

• Significantly higher rates of cancer, respiratory disease, and still born & premature births.

• Shantou University reveals that 70.8% of children in Guiyu have tested positive forlead poisoning.

The growing global challenge

R2 offers a safe & sustainable solution by changing how the world recycles

A growing global call for standards and certification for electronics recycling industry.

More businesses & government agencies implementing policies and regulations that promote safe and sustainable electronics reuse and recycling.

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A Safe & Sustainable Solution:Maximizing safe reuse & recovery

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Reuse -• Widely recognized as most

environmentally beneficial form of recycling.

• Safe repair & reuse provides access to affordable electronics to consumers in developing economies.

• A computer dealer in India partners with R2 Certified companies to sell affordable refurbished computers.

• R2 requires all equipment to be tested prior to selling for reuse.

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“Everyone should have the right to access technology. By providing low cost hardware to people in my country, I can help them connect to the world.” -- Computer Dealer

A Safe & Sustainable Solution:Extending the life of reusable devices

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Rethinking what we classify as “e-Waste”

How broken smart phones are being reused:

• Screens reused in video doorbells and

electronic toys

• CPUs reused in remote controls & e-readers

• GPUs reused in digital picture frames

• Plastics & precious metals recovered and used in new products.

A Safe & Sustainable Solution:R2 testing & reuse of parts

R2 Standard permits partnerships that safely & responsible maximize reuse opportunities

• R2 certified company, along with partners in Romania & Thailand, kept more than 5 million toner cartridges out of land-fills last year.

• NEW manufacturing of cartridges requires 400% more energy & resources than RE-manufacturing cartridges to original OEM specs.

• 3.5 quarts of oil is used to produce the plastic in each new cartridge.

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A safe & sustainable solution:Maximize recovery & preserve resources

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“Urban mining” for valuable metals and other materials contained in end-of-life electronics:

• Electronics contain 40-50 times more precious metals than newly mined ore.

• Requires significantly less energy.

• Leaves smaller environmental footprint.

A safe & sustainable solution:Maximize recovery & preserve resources

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• One ton of recycled cell phones yields $15,000 in precious metals.

• Recovering aluminum from used electronics saves 90% of the energy it takes to mine new aluminum.

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Every One Counts…Responsible recycling starts with YOU.

Less than 20% of electronicsare properly recycled.

Most U.S. households &businesses are storing unwanted electronicsthat have great potentialfor good… if recycled properly.

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Every One Counts…Responsible recycling starts with YOU.

Every cell phone, laptop, tablet or computer that is no longer in use can help to preserve limited supplies of natural resources –

IF recycled properly.

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Every One Counts…Responsible recycling starts with YOU.

Businesses, schools and local municipalities can have great impact by offering designated collection days for customers or employees.

Onsite pick-ups can be arranged with R2 Certified Recyclers.

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But Beware… many recyclers cut corners, putting YOU at risk.

Illegal Dumping

Illegal Exporting

Data Security Breaches

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Do you know what happens to your electronic equipment after it leaves your possession?

You should.

The consequences of data breaches,

environmental liability, and civil and criminal penalties resulting from lack of due diligence can do significant harm to your brand, reputation and bottom line.

R2 Certified recyclers reduce your risk

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The R2 Certification means accountability and adherence to the highest industry standards for:• Data security • Health & safety of workers • Sustainability & environmental protection• Compliance to all legal requirements & regulations

With rigorous annual audits to PROVE IT.

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Most sustainable e-cycling standard. Now operating in 21 countries.