RIOS™ Recycling
Certification

The recycling industry’s management system standard for quality, environment and health & safety (QEH&S).

  • Improve customer service.
  • Stay ahead of competitors.
  • Reduce business risks.
  • Boost industry reputation.
  • Improve health and safety.

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  • Customized certifications
  • Located nationwide
  • Save time & money
  • No extra or hidden fees

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What is RIOS™ Recycling?

The Recycling Industry Operating Standard™ (RIOS) is a revolutionary standard combining quality, environmental, and health & safety management systems into one, specifically catering to the recycling industry.

RIOS creates a simple standardized guideline for recyclers looking to improve environmental and safety performance and boost the quality and consistency of production.

RIOS has been created for and is being implemented through all areas of the scrap recycling industry, such as:

  • Plastic
  • Paper
  • Ferric and non-ferric metal
  • Tyre
  • Rubber
  • Electronics
  • Repair and refurbish facilities

Find out more about the benefits of this standard and more, below.

Orion Registrar is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for RIOS.

RIOS recycling plastic water bottle

Benefits of RIOS Certification

The industry standard makes it possible for all recycling businesses, no matter where they operate or what products they recycle, to improve their safety culture, reduce their environmental impact, and increase the quality of the material they produce.

Being RIOS certified boosts your organization’s reputation in the marketplace, helping to attract new business and cut costs with robust quality, health & safety systems in place.

  • Increases marketability.
  • Stronger stakeholder relationships.
  • Respect in the recycling industry.
  • Reduction in safety risks.
  • Proficient and trained employees.
  • Compliance with environmental regulations.
RIOS Recycling certification

How to Become Certified

It’s an easy process to become RIOS Recycling certified.

The RIOS certification audit is a two-part procedure that follows the implementation of a RIOS management system. The first stage of the audit is a document review, where an Orion Registrar auditor will visit your facility and assess whether all necessary documentation is in place. They may make some recommendations for improvement by identifying potential non-conformances. Once those have been attended to, the auditor will re-visit the facility for the second stage. During this process, our auditor will certify that measures are being followed, all employees are appropriately trained, and that the operation complies with RIOS requirements. Once this has been approved, your certificate will be issued.

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Why You Should Choose Orion

Why Choose Orion

ANAB Accredited

Our certificates are ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited, which are recognized and accepted, worldwide.

Qualified Expertise

Our auditors are professionally qualified with distinguished backgrounds and experience.

Cost-Effective Service

Orion Registrar is dedicated to earning your loyalty with our consistent, cost-effective service.

Customized Approach

With Orion Registrar, you can customize your certification needs to suit your organization.

Fixed Price Guarantee

We guarantee no application fees, no annual fees, and a fixed price per service for certification.

Contract Flexibility

You are not tied in with Orion, provided you cancel your agreement at least 4 weeks ahead of your pre-booked assessment date.

High Quality Service

94% of Orion clients have said they are ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to recommend us.

Impartial Certification

Orion Registrar understands the importance of maintaining impartiality in achieving certification.

On Your Side

Orion Registrar sets a goal to be open, honest, and approachable, working in partnership with clients.

The RIOS Recycling Certification Journey

Get in touch for a free quote from one of our experienced team to get your RIOS certification journey underway. Our quotes will reflect your organization's specific requirements.

Help You Prepare

One of our qualified Orion Registrar auditors will get in touch to outline the process and plan for an initial assessment on your journey to becoming RIOS accredited.

1

Step One – Identify Gaps

Our auditor will conduct an initial assessment to determine if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met. We will provide a detailed report outlining non-conformities and offer the recommended action to reach certification

2

Step Two – In-Depth Review

When you are ready, an auditor will conduct a second assessment to establish if your management system meets the standard’s requirements. We review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1, and certification will be recommended if the RIOS standard has been met.

Step Three – Certification Issued

Once your management system has been reviewed following our recommendations, a decision will be made, and your certification will be issued.

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RIOS FAQs

What is the Difference Between RIOS and ISO Certifications?

RIOS recycling certification provides a single certification that integrates the requirements for environmental, health and safety and quality certifications. ISO requires multiple certifications to meet similar standards.

Depending on the nature of your business, it may be more economical to take the RIOS option. Contact Orion Registrar today for more information and guidance about our certification standards.

How Long Does RIOS Audit Take?

RIOS recycling audit times vary depending on the number of employees within the organization, alongside the nature and risk of the operations carried out. For more detailed audit times, reach out to us today.

Which Industries Recognize RIOS Recycling Certification?

RIOS certification is recognized and respected by many customers and suppliers within the recycling industry, which helps to increase custom. Additionally, RIOS-certified organizations have benefitted from implementing a QEHS when interacting with banks, regulators, and activists. Companies certified with RIOS are also likely to gain better insurance deals as more insurance companies are beginning to understand the value of having a QEHS Management System.

Get Started on Your Certification Journey Now

Your certification costs will depend on the size of your business, location, and the sector you’re in.