Technology Conservation Group, Inc. First Electronics Recycler to Take R2/RIOS Certification International

LECANTO, FL, July 07, 2011 (Press-News.org) Technology Conservation Group, Inc., an electronics recycling and asset management company headquartered in Lecanto, FL announced today that it has earned the prestigious industry designation R2/RIOS Certified Electronics Recycler and achieved ISO 14001:2004 recertification in six of their processing facilities located in the United States, Mexico and Europe, making it the first company to take an R2/RIOS certification international. TCG certified facilities in the US include Lecanto FL, Louisville KY, and Portland OR. TCG certified international facilities include Guadalajara and Monterrey, MX and West Midlands, UK.

R2/RIOS is the combination of two stringent accredited standards: the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) and the Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS) . The result is an exacting standard for responsible electronics reuse and recycling and recognition in the market via R2/RIOS certification as a Certified Electronics Recycler (www.certifiedelectronicsrecycler.org). Electronics recycling is a fast-growing industry that creates high-paying, green jobs and boosts the U.S. and global economies.

The R2 standard was developed through a multi-stakeholder process including ISRI, major OEMS, recyclers, experts in sustainability and recycling, and government agencies and is facilitated by R2 Solutions and supported by the US EPA. R2 provides benefits such as reducing environmental and health impacts from improper recycling, increasing access to quality reusable/refurbished equipment, and reducing energy use associated with processing virgin materials. RIOS is an integrated management system with key operational elements for quality, environmental, health and safety performance. RIOS comprises six major components - general requirements, policy, planning, implementation, corrective/preventive action, and management review. ISRI developed RIOS specifically for the recycling industry.

"We are extremely proud and excited to be a Certified Electronics Recycler in three different countries. TCG is a global company so it only made sense for us to include our Mexico and United Kingdom facilities," said Hamilton Rice, President of Technology Conservation Group. "Our goal is to provide our customers with the reassurance that we are processing their material in the most environmentally responsible manner possible, no exceptions. TCG is committed to all aspects of the R2/RIOS and ISO standards and hold ourselves accountable for the integrity of our internal processes that support those standards."

"TCG has the very significant distinction of being the first U.S. company to ensure excellence in its facilities abroad through the latest and most rigorous environmental health and safety and quality standards. TGC is very clearly committed to the highest standards at home and around the world," ISRI President Robin Wiener said. "With more and more global and country-based directives being issued to ensure that recyclers are using the very best standards, R2/RIOS is generating a great deal of interest and investment. Achieving R2/RIOS certification is a triple shot of quality, safety and environmental management in electronics recycling facilities."

TCG's conformance audit against these stringent standards was performed by SGS, an independent third-party certification body accredited by ANAB, the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board.

About Technology Conservation Group

Founded in 1996 Technology Conservation Group specializes in asset disposition and recycling of waste stream commodities generated through the manufacturing of electronics and electronic components. Technology Conservation Group customizes programs for its customers to meet their needs and maximize their revenue return while recycling, reusing and/or remarketing virtually 100% of its intake. Technology Conservation Group holds a multi-site certification to R2:2008/RIOS:2006 and ISO 14001:2004 standards, adheres to all levels of environmental regulations, and respects design security without sacrificing returns. Technology Conservation Group serves an international customer base through its strategically located facilities throughout North America, Mexico, United Kingdom, Israel and India.

For additional information, please contact us at http://www.tcgrecycling.com or call 1-877-926-8824.