On-Site E-Waste Certification Audits Hit by Unprecedented Delay

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Covid-19 pandemic have impacted the certification audits of e-scrap companies. Of late, remote audits using technology tools such as file sharing and video conferencing have become the new norm.

The R2 and e-Stewards certified e-waste recycling facilities need to have their sites audited once in a year. This comprises of visits by one or more third-party experts to the site so as to verify documents, interview workers and have a hands on experience of company processes and safety measures. All these activities are currently impossible due to Covid-19 protocols in place in various geographical regions.

The companies that have applied for certification for the first time are the most affected. The Stage-1 audit that involves preliminary on-site verification of basic documents and management systems has been facing significant delays. As a result, certifying bodies have now been allowed to use remote strategies to carryout Stage-1 audit. The Stage-2 audit, being more time-consuming, causes delay to the entire certification process.

As of now, the Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), which administers R2 certification, has not approved remote Stage 2 certification. The firms, whose recertification is due, also will have to wait for on-site inspection. Meantime, e-Stewards has allowed remote Stage-2 audits.

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