What is Downstream Vendor?

In electronics recycling, a downstream vendor is any company that receives materials or components from a primary recycler for further processing. This includes smelters that extract precious metals from circuit boards, plastic recyclers that process electronic enclosures, battery recyclers that handle hazardous batteries, and refurbishers that receive tested components for resale.

Downstream vendor management is a critical component of responsible recycling. R2 and e-Stewards certifications both require recyclers to vet their downstream vendors, ensuring that materials are handled responsibly at every stage of the recycling chain. This due diligence prevents materials from ending up in unauthorized facilities or being illegally exported.

A responsible recycler maintains documentation of all downstream vendors, including their certifications, permits, and environmental compliance records. This transparency allows businesses to verify that their retired electronics are being handled properly throughout the entire recycling chain — not just at the first facility that receives them.