R2 vs e-Stewards vs RIOS: How the Electronics Recycling Standards Compare
Short answer: R2v3 and e-Stewards are the two main certification standards for electronics reuse, recycling and IT asset disposition (ITAD). RIOS is not a third electronics standard. It is a recycling-industry management system for quality, environment and health & safety, and it can satisfy the management system that R2v3 or e-Stewards requires underneath. So the main choice is between R2v3 and e-Stewards. Underneath either one you need a certified management system, most commonly ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, the route Paradygm recommends. RIOS is an accepted alternative.
At a glance
| R2v3 | e-Stewards | RIOS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Electronics reuse and recycling standard | Electronics reuse, recycling and IT disposition standard | Integrated quality, environmental and health & safety (QEH&S) management system for recyclers of all commodities |
| Owner / administrator | SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International), a US non-profit and ANSI-accredited standards developer | Basel Action Network (BAN), a non-profit public interest group | Global Recycling Standards Organization (GRSO). Developed by the recycling industry association now called ReMA (formerly ISRI). |
| Current version | R2v3, released July 2020. Appendix G for PV modules was added in January 2024 (R2v3.1). | Version 4.1 (February 2022), plus Sanctioned Interpretations (latest adopted May 2024) | RIOS:2016 |
| Management system it requires | A certified EH&S management system: ISO 14001 + ISO 45001, or RIOS. A certified QMS (ISO 9001 or RIOS) only if you do Test & Repair (Appendix C) or Brokering (Appendix F). | ISO 14001 or RIOS, plus NAID AAA data security certification (required since July 2022) | Is itself the management system |
| Typical focus areas | Downstream recycling chain, focus materials, reuse and repair, data sanitization (Appendix B, aligned with NIST 800-88), legal compliance | Basel Convention-based trade rules (restrictions on exporting hazardous e-waste to developing countries), restrictions on landfill and incineration of hazardous e-waste, data security through NAID AAA | Risk-based planning and operational controls for quality, environment and safety in recycling operations |
| Who audits | Certification bodies accredited by a SERI-authorized accreditation body (ANAB is one) | Accredited certification bodies under the e-Stewards program | ANAB-accredited certification bodies. Facilities must also be RIOS Certification Track members. |
| What's next | SERI's five-year review is under way. Next version estimated late 2027 / early 2028, followed by a transition period (SERI estimate, subject to change). | Updates are issued through Sanctioned Interpretations between full revisions | No new edition announced in the sources reviewed |
Summaries are Paradygm's paraphrase of public program information, not the text of any standard.
R2v3 in brief
R2v3 sets requirements for facilities that reuse, repair, recycle or dispose of used electronics. It is made up of Core Requirements that every facility meets and Process Requirement appendices that apply only to the activities you actually perform, such as data sanitization, test and repair, materials recovery or brokering. R2 certification is common across reverse logistics, ITAD, refurbishers, resellers, collectors, recyclers and materials recovery processors.
More: R2 Recycling Standard · R2v3 FAQ
e-Stewards in brief
e-Stewards is owned by the Basel Action Network and built on global trade norms from the Basel Convention. It is known for strict rules on exporting hazardous electronic waste to developing countries and for restricting landfill and incineration of hazardous e-waste. Version 4.1 requires a separate ISO 14001 (or RIOS) certification and NAID AAA data security certification. Its requirements are laid out in the same order as ISO 14001:2015.
RIOS in brief
RIOS (Recycling Industry Operating Standard) combines quality, environmental and health & safety requirements into one management system written for recycling operations, including metals, paper, plastics, tires and electronics. Both R2v3 and e-Stewards accept RIOS as an alternative to ISO standards for the underlying management system.
Paradygm's approach: R2v3 on the globally recognized ISO standards
For the management system R2v3 requires, Paradygm builds on the globally recognized ISO standards: ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, plus ISO 9001 where your scope needs a certified quality system. These certificates are recognized by customers in every industry and country, not only in recycling, and we combine them with R2v3 in one integrated management system. RIOS is also accepted by SERI as an alternative foundation, and SERI suggests asking your certification body to compare audit time for the routes you're considering.
Which should you choose?
Your customers or a recycling program require a specific standard. Start there. Paradygm can support either R2v3 or e-Stewards, and we recommend R2v3 on ISO standards where you have the choice. In Canada, for example, EPRA's Electronics Recycling Standard requires primary processors to hold R2 or e-Stewards certification. See R2 certification in Canada.
You do data sanitization, test and repair, resale or brokering. R2v3's appendix structure lets you certify exactly the processes you perform.
You want certificates recognized everywhere. ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 are recognized across industries and countries, which is why we recommend them as the foundation for R2v3.
How Paradygm helps
Paradygm is a SERI Approved Consultant: our consultants have completed SERI's R2 Lead Auditor Course and advise facilities on R2v3 readiness. We have a 100% R2 track record. We:
Define your R2v3 scope and which appendices apply
Build the integrated management system on ISO 14001 + ISO 45001 (+ ISO 9001 where needed), with all R2 requirements built in
Prepare data sanitization plans and procedures (see NIST 800-88)
Run R2v3 internal audits, including legal compliance and data security audits
Help you choose a certification body and support you through the audit
Support e-Stewards projects on request. Our recommended path is R2v3 built on the globally recognized ISO standards, but if your customers require e-Stewards we can help you prepare for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is RIOS the same as R2?
No. R2v3 is an electronics recycling standard. RIOS is a quality, environmental and health & safety management system for recyclers. RIOS can be the management system underneath an R2v3 certification.
Can a facility be both R2 and e-Stewards certified?
Yes. Some facilities hold both, usually because different customers ask for different certifications. Each has its own audit.
Does R2v3 require ISO 14001?
R2v3 requires a certified EH&S management system. That can be ISO 14001 together with ISO 45001, or RIOS.
Does e-Stewards require NAID AAA?
Yes. Since July 2022, e-Stewards V4.1 has required NAID AAA certification, together with ISO 14001 or RIOS.
Is a new version of R2 coming?
Yes. SERI began its five-year review in 2025 and estimates the next version will be published in late 2027 or early 2028, with a transition period afterward. Dates are subject to change.
Does Paradygm support e-Stewards?
Yes, we can support e-Stewards projects. Where you have the choice, we recommend R2v3 built on the globally recognized ISO standards, but we will help you meet whichever standard your customers require.
Why does Paradygm build R2v3 on ISO standards?
ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (and ISO 9001 where needed) are recognized worldwide and across industries, so the same certificates that support your R2v3 certification also count with customers outside recycling.
Not sure which route fits your facility?
Tell us what you process and who your customers are, and we'll recommend the right path, usually R2v3 built on ISO standards.