Organization that oversees RIOS changes name

The organization formerly known as the ISRI Services Corp. has announced that it will now operate as the Global Recycling Standards Organization (GRSO). The new name more accurately reflects the mission of the organization that manages the Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS), which has gained interest from recyclers around the globe.

RIOS is an integrated quality, environmental, health and safety system based on ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 that focuses on aspects relevant to the scrap recycling industry. The six components of RIOS cover general requirements, policy, planning, implementation, checking and corrective action and management.

“RIOS is the global standard for recycling,” says Darrell Kendall, executive director of RIOS. “It is important that the name of the company that oversees the standard reflects that. ISRI created RIOS, but it is now the recycling industry’s standard, regardless of the location of the facility. With facilities in North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East committed to RIOS certification, the time is now to make it clear that RIOS is the common language for recyclers all over the world. Creating the Global Recycling Standards Organization is the first step in that process.”

In addition, GRSO and its board of directors launched RIOS’ new website, www.RIOSCertification.org. The website, which has a new, more descriptive URL, and a completely redesigned interface, allows stakeholders to quickly find the information for which they are looking. In addition to information about the RIOS program, the site will feature a blog, a resources page and an easier-to-use map of certified recyclers. Over time this site will become a go-to resource for all things related to quality, environment, health and safety management system implementation and certification.

RIOS is an integrated quality, environmental, health and safety management system certification that is designed for recyclers, by recyclers. With RIOS, recyclers are able to obtain certification without having to fit their system into a program designed for manufacturers. By integrating the management system, recyclers are able to more effectively manage their system, which results in stronger health and safety programs, greater environmental responsibility, and better operational efficiency.

At the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) 2016 Convention & Exposition, held April 2-7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, speakers in the session “The Art of Maximizing Profit: The Real-Life Stories of Certified Facilities” shared their experiences of saving money and improving their operations through better-trained employees and more efficient procedures as a result of RIOS.