Q: Can whole equipment under warranty be returned to the manufacturer as an Unrestricted Stream?

A:  The short answer is no and here’s why.  Under the definition of “Planned return” (R2 Equipment Categorization (REC), Table 1: R2 Applicability, Unrestricted Streams) there are seven specific examples of what is included in this return type and returns meeting this definition are considered Unrestricted Streams that require no further R2 processing or Downstream Vendor (DSV) verification. One example of a Planned return is a Warranty Return. A Warranty Return is specific to failed components being returned to the manufacturer under warranty for replacement to repair equipment for reuse. Since a Warranty Return addresses components only, whole devices/equipment being returned to the manufacturer under warranty do not meet this definition.

Therefore, Planned return (specifically a Warranty Return) would not be applicable for whole equipment being returned, even if under warranty, and would still need to be managed as an R2 Controlled Stream, requiring that the DSV be qualified in accordance with Appendix A. Additionally, the downstream recycling chain of all R2 Controlled Streams shall be tracked to final disposition, (or the first R2v3 facility where App A(4)(b) is met).