EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DIRECTV has joined nine other companies and organizations in launching the R2 Leader program, an initiative designed to advance the safe, responsible and sustainable repair and recycling of used electronics.

Under the auspices of SERI, a non-profit organization that develops policies and programs to advance sustainable electronics recycling including the multi-stakeholder R2 Standard, R2 Leaders publicly support R2 certified electronics repair and recycling, as well as consider R2 certification when choosing a recycling partner.

"DIRECTV is proud to participate as a founding R2 Leader," said Michael Palkovic, executive vice president of Services & Operations at DIRECTV. "The responsible recycling of electronics remains a top priority for DIRECTV and we are affirming that commitment by joining other e-waste recycling leaders in support of the R2 Standard to help protect the planet. We continue to look for ways to do even more across all the markets we serve."

As a founding R2 Leader, DIRECTV will expand its e-waste collection events for DIRECTV employees at its offices, as well as provide consumers with information on where and how to find an R2-certified recycler on its website. DIRECTV and SERI are also exploring other ways to work together to promote responsible electronics recycling.

"Since the creation of the R2 Standard for responsible electronics recycling in 2008, we have consistently heard from companies and organizations that wanted to support repair and recycling efforts," said John Lingelbach, executive director of SERI. "Our partners in launching this program have taken on truly commendable leadership roles in managing used electronics. I am excited to work with them to take the next step in developing responsible and sustainable e-waste recycling policies, programs and facilities."

Other partners in the R2 Leader program include Goodwill International, Keep America Beautiful, Microsoft and Sony.

The R2 Standard was created in 2008 through a multi-stakeholder process that included the U.S. EPA, electronics manufacturers, recycling companies, non-profit organizations, and other groups. Electronics recycling and refurbishment facilities certified to the R2 Standard adhere to best practices in worker health and safety, environmental protection, chain-of-custody reporting, and other measurements. Worldwide, over 540 facilities are certified to the R2 Standard in 17 countries.

About DIRECTV

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world's leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 38 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 20 million customers access to more than 195 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 13 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 18 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include two Regional Sports Networks (Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh), and minority ownership interests in Root Sports Northwest and Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.

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