Send retired cameras, recorders and computers to R2 or e-Stewards certified recyclers, as EPA recommends

EPA recommends that businesses, governments and large purchasers use certified electronics recyclers for unwanted used electronics. The two accredited standards, R2 and e-Stewards, assess environmental, worker health and safety, and security practices and require destruction of all data on used electronics.

Source facts

EPA’s certified electronics recyclers page, last updated July 31, 2026, says EPA recommends using certified electronics recyclers to manage unwanted used electronics and encourages all recyclers to become certified by demonstrating to an accredited, independent third-party auditor that they meet specific standards. Two accredited certification standards currently exist: the Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard and the e-Stewards Standard.

EPA says both programs advance best management practices, offer a way to assess the environmental, worker health and safety, and security practices of entities managing used electronics, and require destruction of all data on used electronics. Once a recycler is certified, the independent accredited certifying body provides continual oversight, and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board accredits certifying bodies in the United States.

For businesses, governments and large purchasers, the page links to the R2 and e-Stewards directories of certified recyclers and the services they provide, which can include data security and asset management. EPA also completed a limited study of how the two standards are implemented, with suggested strategies for improvement.

Applicability

Use this for any organization disposing of used electronics. Certification shows a recycler meets a standard, but contracts should still state data destruction, chain-of-custody and certificate requirements, and other rules may apply to some devices and batteries.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends sending retired electronics only to recyclers with current R2 or e-Stewards certification, and sanitizing or destroying storage media before equipment leaves the organization’s custody. Check the recycler in the program directory before each pickup, list every recorder, camera, panel and drive by serial number on the pickup manifest, and require a certificate of recycling and data destruction for each batch.

Verification

Reconcile each certificate against the manifest and asset inventory, confirm the recycler’s certification is still current at each pickup, and keep the records in the asset disposal file.

Official reference

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Certified Electronics Recyclers (last updated July 31, 2026). Reviewed October 18, 2026.