Q.   Where in R2v3 does it define the process for how Downstream Vendors must be qualified?

The R2v3 Standard does not specify how the DSV qualification process must be performed, but rather, it defines the requirements that must be verified to qualify a DSV.  These requirements are found in Appendix A of the R2v3 Standard, and vary depending on whether the DSV is R2v3 Certified or not.    While Appendix A is specific in the qualifications for DSVs, there is flexibility in the process or method that an R2v3 facility uses to assess its downstream vendors.

Q.   Do All of Our Downstream Vendors Need to be R2v3-Certified?

R2v3 does not require an R2v3 Certified facility to send equipment or materials only to an R2v3 Certified vendor.  But R2v3 does require the non-R2v3 DSV to meet the same high standards specified in the R2v3 Standard.  This is to ensure that all electronic equipment, components, and materials will continue to be managed in a way that meets R2v3 requirements – even after leaving the control of an R2v3 facility.  The requirements for qualifying non-R2v3 certified downstream vendors can be found in Appendix A(8) of the R2v3 Standard.

Q.   What Needs to be Included in a Downstream Vendor Flowchart?

The flowchart of each R2 Facility’s downstream recycling chain should include these items for each DSV:

• • The specific type of focus material being processed;
  • Name of the facility doing that processing;
  • Their R2v3 status;
  • The processing method used (to indicate when the focus material no longer needs to be tracked); and
  • Any international shipments at any point in the downstream chain

Depending on the material being processed, a single downstream vendor might have multiple downstream chains that result from their processing, and each of these need to be tracked. For example, if a DSV receives whole LCD monitors, their downstream chains could include a processor for the mercury bulbs and a different processor for the circuit boards.

For each material type, the flowchart should include every tier in the chain until either the final processing step or the first R2v3-Certified vendor.  When mapping the material types, do not forget to also include whole equipment and components that include focus materials.

A sample flowchart can be found in R2 Training-PROCESS Requirements section of the R2 Knowledge Base.

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