The Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS), which is managed by the Global Recycling Standards Organisation (GRSO) announced the formation of an alliance with the R2 Certification programme, developed by SERI. This alliance will allow their organisations to work more closely together to improve training and education programmes, streamline the certification process for companies seeking both R2 and RIOS certification, lower the overall cost of certification, and continue to support the responsible recycling, reuse, and repair of electronics and electronic scrap, according to the organisation.

As part of this alliance, all companies that are pursuing or are currently certified to R2 will receive the Association Alliance membership rate, which is 50 percent of the normal membership rate. This membership will include the RIOS Implementation Guide, access to all RIOS training programmes, as well as all of the other membership benefits of RIOS. Additionally, GRSO and SERI will collaborate to develop QEHS management system training that is specific to those company seeking R2 certification. The RIOS standard will also now be publicly available for free to anyone, regardless of their R2 affiliation. RIOS and R2 staff and leadership will also collaborate to find ways to streamline the audit experience for companies seeking R2 and RIOS certification, as per the statement.

“Every electronics recycling standard is built on a strong quality, environmental, health and safety management system. RIOS is the only management system standard designed specifically for recyclers. I see great opportunities for R2 Certified recyclers when R2 and RIOS work together to support recyclers in achieving the management system requirements of R2,” stated Corey Dehmey, SERI’s Executive Director.

“We are excited to form this alliance with R2, which will allow our organisations to provide the highest level of support and service to the industry,” said RIOS Executive Director Darrell Kendall. “Our goal is to raise the level of performance across the electronics recycling, refurbishing, and repair markets, while lowering the overall cost of certification, and making it possible for all companies to participate.”