Recycler Qualification Program
Recycling Qualification Program (RQP)
The Recycling Qualification Program (RQP) is now in effect to handle all new applications for processing end-of-life electronics as well as changes to any existing approvals. In addition, re-assessments for OES Processors who are currently approved will begin on July 1, 2011. All recyclers must be operating to the new standard by this date.
Changes to existing approvals and new applications are now handled through the Recycling Qualification Office. Visit: www.rqp.ca for details.
NOTE: An assessment and approval under the RQP, by the Recycling Qualification Office does not guarantee a Recycler a contract with OES, nor does it guarantee any allocation of OES’s material. Following verification under the RQP, the Recycler must apply to OES for approval for use. Only after receiving a copy of the Recycler’s Statement of Verification will OES negotiate or re-negotiate a contract to have the Recycler provide services to the program.
Background
Over the past year, SWEEP, ACES, ARMA, ESABC, and OES, worked with EPSC to undertake a review and revision of the Electronics Recycling Standard (ERS). Through this review process, the ERS was refined to:
- better reflect the program requirements for approved recyclers,
- incorporate the overall Recycler Qualification Program (RQP), and
- facilitate a more efficient and effective audit/approval process.
In October 2010, the revised ERS was released along with the broader RQP.
In addition to updating the ERS, the Recycler Qualification Office (RQO) was established in April 2011 in cooperation with the industry-led provincial programs and EPSC.
The RQO will manage all recycler assessments and approvals on behalf of these programs. The establishment of a national office is intended to provide a streamlined application and approval process for perspective primary recyclers, while undertaking recycler assessments in a timely, detailed, thorough, and objective manner.
