Key Certifications to Look For in an Electronics Recycler

R2 Certification (Responsible Recycling)

What It Is:

R2 (Responsible Recycling) is the global gold standard for electronics recycling. It’s administered by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) and adheres to strict protocols to ensure that recyclers manage IT assets safely, ethically, and legally.

Why It Matters for Your Business:

During data center decommissioning, you often dispose of sensitive equipment, including servers, hard drives, networking hardware, and backup systems. These assets may contain regulated data (e.g., HIPAA, GLBA, or GDPR) and hazardous components, such as batteries, mercury, and lead. R2-certified recyclers are required to:

• Maintain secure data destruction processes (e.g., NIST-compliant wiping or shredding)
• Implement a chain of custody for tracking IT assets from pickup to processing
• Use qualified downstream vendors and avoid illegal export or landfill dumping
• Conduct risk assessments and environmental impact evaluations

Why It Matters for Compliance:

R2 certification aligns with many corporate environmental, social, and governance goals and compliance frameworks by reducing landfill waste, improving auditability, and preventing environmental harm. It provides documented assurance that your assets are handled in a sustainable and secure way.

IRT is R2 certified, providing organizations with confidence that their electronics are processed to the highest standards for reuse, recycling, and data protection.

RIOS:2016 Certification (Recycling Industry Operating Standard)

What It Is:

RIOS is a quality, environmental, health, and safety (QEH&S) management system designed specifically for recyclers. It integrates internationally recognized quality, environmental, and safety management principles into a single streamlined system.

Why It Matters During ITAD and Data Center Decommissioning:

Decommissioning a data center isn’t just about hauling equipment away. It requires precision, documentation, and safe handling of high-value assets. RIOS certification demonstrates that your recycler:

• Follows strict process controls and operational consistency
• Trains staff on safe dismantling and e-waste handling techniques
• Maintains environmental and safety compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations
• Audits vendors to ensure downstream integrity

In short, RIOS demonstrates that your recycler can scale safely, minimize risk, and execute large, complex decommissioning projects without compromising quality.

IRT’s RIOS certification signals robust internal systems and a commitment to safe, transparent, and efficient recycling, even for enterprise-scale IT environments.

Why Certifications Matter for Data Center Decommissioning

If you’re decommissioning a data center, you’re likely dealing with:

• Thousands of serialized assets
• Regulated data on drives and servers
• Hazardous materials (lithium-ion batteries, mercury lamps, CRTs)
• Internal and external audits for compliance
• Environmental reporting for ESG or sustainability goals

Certifications like R2 and RIOS prove that your recycler can handle all of this, with secure processes, complete documentation, and environmental responsibility.

Choose IRT: Certified. Secure. Professional.

At Integrated Recycling Technologies (IRT), we back our services with industry-recognized certifications and real-world experience decommissioning IT environments at scale. With R2 and RIOS certifications, our clients can expect:

• Certified data destruction and hard drive shredding
• Transparent chain-of-custody reporting
• Secure logistics for enterprise pickup and transit
• Refurbishment and resale services to recover asset value
• A landfill-free commitment to sustainability

Whether you’re shutting down a server room or retiring legacy IT infrastructure, we offer a turnkey approach to secure, compliant electronics recycling. Let IRT help you simplify the process, protect your data, and meet your compliance goals. Reach out today or call (320) 251-7400 to request a quote or schedule a consultation with our data security and recycling experts.