RECYCLING INDUSTRY OPERATION STANDARD (RIOS) CERTIFICATION CONSULTING SERVICES
The Recycling Industry Operation Standard (RIOS) was established about a decade ago and is quickly becoming a popular certification among forward-thinking organizations. Adopted by electronics recyclers and refurbishers, and those who recycle a range of commodities –including metal, paper, tires, rubber and bulbs – RIOS is a comprehensive management system standard that demonstrates an organization’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, keeping employees and the public safe, and adhering to industry best practices.
When used alone or in conjunction with the Responsible Recycling (R2) standard, RIOS can help recyclers reduce operational risk, attract new business, and operate more profitably.
WHAT IS THE RECYCLING INDUSTRY OPERATION STANDARD (RIOS)?
RIOS is an integrated management system designed for recyclers and governed by the Global Recycling Standards Organization (GRSO). It can be a standalone certification or used as an alternative to the ISO prerequisites needed to earn R2 certification.
To earn R2 certification, you must first prove that your organization has robust environmental management (EMS), occupational health and safety management (OH&S), and quality management (QMS) systems in place. To meet those conditions, you can go one of two routes: ISO or RIOS.
If you elect to go the ISO route, you must earn and maintain three separate certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management systems), ISO 14001 (environmental management systems), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management systems). RIOS combines EMS, OH&S and QMS systems into one, streamlined QEH&S system. Once you have either your RIOS system or ISO systems in place, you can pursue R2 certification.
THE BENEFITS OF RIOS CERTIFICATION
Like ISO and R2 certification, RIOS certification is an independent verification of your organization’s commitment to high quality and best practices. RIOS-certified organizations:
- Are eligible to partner with vendors and organizations that only do business with certified organizations
- Attract business from large, forward-thinking organizations
- Protect the environment, employees and public health
- Reduce risks that can lead to non-compliance and fines
- Operate more efficiently and with reduced overhead
- Offer better service, communication and products to suppliers, vendors and customers
- Maintain a competitive advantage over non-certified peers
RIOS/R2 VS. ISO/R2
If you plan to pursue R2 certification, you may wonder whether it is advisable to get ISO or RIOS certified – or if one option is “better” than the other. Each route has its benefits and no universal solution exists. The right fit for your organization is highly dependent on your day-to-day operations, target market, growth plan, and other goals.
When deciding whether to pursue ISO or RIOS certification, here are some factors to consider:
Cost
Earning RIOS/R2 certification is less expensive than ISO/R2 certification. This is partially because the former requires only two systems and audits (RIOS and R2), while the latter requires four systems and audits (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and R2). Exact costs will vary based on the size, location and complexity of your organization and the experience of the consultant you work with.
The annual cost of maintaining RIOS/R2 certification is approximately 20% less expensive than ISO/R2 certification. This is, again, in part because fewer audits days are required. You do have to pay an annual membership fee to RIOS (approximately $1,250 at the time of writing), but even with the fee, RIOS/R2 certification is generally less expensive than ISO/R2 certification.
The comparatively lower cost makes RIOS/R2 popular among startups and smaller companies.
Recognition
RIOS is well-regarded, but is still a relative newcomer to the standards industry. It is commonly used in the U.S. and Canada and is beginning to gain recognition outside of North America. ISO, on the other hand, is a highly reputable and truly global standard that is widely recognized and adopted by organizations worldwide. Because of this, multi-national businesses more commonly pursue ISO/R2 certification – though that may change as organizations continue to adopt RIOS certification.
Ease of Implementation & Maintenance
The process of earning ISO/R2 and RIOS/R2 certification is extremely similar. One isn’t necessarily faster or easier to implement or maintain than the other.
IS RIOS RIGHT FOR MY ORGANIZATION?
Because there is no one-size-fits-all solution, it’s important to work with an experienced consultant with deep knowledge of RIOS, R2 and ISO to ensure you adopt the standard or standards that are most appropriate for your organization. The right consultant will ask you questions about your vision and goals and recommend a solution based on your answers. They will know, for example, whether certain channel partners or prospects are more likely to work with a RIOS/R2 or ISO/R2 certified organization or if a certain standard or combination of standards will make you more or less competitive.
THE RIOS CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The process of earning RIOS certification is similar to the ISO and R2 certification process.
You must:
- Become a RIOS member
- Implement your RIOS management system
- Pass an internal audit
- Pass a certification audit
- Notify RIOS of your certification status
- Maintain good standing with RIOS (and SERI if you are also R2 certified) by maintaining your system and passing re-certification and surveillance audits
GLACIER CONSULTING
If you want to learn more or need help deciding whether RIOS certification is right for your organization, contact Glacier Consulting. Our team of certified ISO, R2 and RIOS experts will leverage their expertise to ensure you adopt the standard or standards that make the most sense for your organization. Once you settle on a solution, we’ll help you every step of the way, from system implementation to internal audit and final audit to ongoing certification maintenance.
We take pride in the fact that our clients have never failed a certification audit or experienced major findings that require an auditor to return to complete the certification process. As a result, you’ll get certified quickly and save 100+ hours you would have spent with a DIY approach or less experienced consultant.
To learn how our team can help you earn RIOS and/or R2 certification in record time, contact us for a quote.