How Organizations Harness the Power of RIOS Certification to Transform Themselves

Brought to you by IBEC Intelligence

The Responsible Industry Operating Standard (RIOS) is a comprehensive certification program designed to help organizations in the recycling and waste management sectors optimize their operations while promoting sustainability and social responsibility.  By integrating quality, environmental, as well as health and safety management systems, RIOS provides a framework for organizations to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance their overall performance.  RIOS can have a significant impact in transforming various types of organizations.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency – Recycle America, a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc., a leading waste management firm, earned RIOS certification to improve its operational efficiency.  Before the certification, the company faced challenges with process redundancies that led to increased costs.  After attaining RIOS certification, the company reported a 15% reduction in operational costs within the first year.Additionally, Recycle America reduced waste generation by 25%, leading to lower disposal costs and a smaller environmental footprint.  The RIOS certification process fostered a culture of continuous improvement among employees, enhancing morale and productivity.

Improving Environmental Impact – Achieving RIOS Certification has significantly benefited Converge Metal Recycling, Inc. by enhancing its reputation, improving operational efficiency, and bolstering its commitment to environmental responsibility and worker safety. It has also helped the company gain a competitive edge in the market.  This has also led to a significant reduction of landfill contributions.  The enhanced environmental practices improved the reputation of Converge Metal Recycling, Inc. within the local community, leading to increased partnerships and customer loyalty.

Boosting Health and Safety Standards – Republic Services, which specializes in waste management, faced challenges with workplace safety.  After obtaining RIOS certification, the organization saw a dramatic decline in workplace incidents.  Republic Services achieved a 50% reduction in workplace accidents within two years of certification.  Additionally, earning RIOS Certification helped the company create a safety culture.  Employees reported feeling safer and more engaged in safety practices, contributing to a proactive safety culture.

Strengthening Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Technology Conservation Group, Inc. (TCG) earned RIOS certification to enhance its CSR initiatives, among other benefits.  They further leveraged their RIOS and R2 Certifications to earn the industry designation Certified Electronics Recycler.^®  The company has shared that it is the first recycler to have facilities outside of the United States certified to RIOS and R2.  TCG’s certified facilities are in Lecanto, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; Portland, Ore; Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico; as well as West Midlands, U.K.

In a press release, TCG President, Hamilton Rice, stated, “We are extremely proud and excited to be a Certified Electronics Recycler^® in three different countries.  TCG is a global company, so it only made sense for us to include our Mexico and United Kingdom facilities.  Our goal is to provide our customers with the reassurance that we are processing their material in the most environmentally responsible manner possible, no exceptions. TCG is committed to all aspects of the R2/RIOS and ISO standards and hold ourselves accountable for the integrity of our internal processes that support those standards.”

RIOS certification has the power to transform organizations across the recycling and waste management sectors by enhancing operational efficiency, improving environmental impact, boosting health and safety standards, strengthening corporate social responsibility, as well as helping drive continuous improvement.  As an increasing number of organizations embraces RIOS, they can improve their own operations, as well as contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future for our planet.

Speak with your IBEC experts to get guidance on achieving RIOS certification for your organization.

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