RIOS™ is designed in such a way that a facility can become certified without using a consultant. That having been said, companies often hire consultants to help them through the process. If there is a clear deadline for being certified, if financial resources are more plentiful than time available for staff, or if the company is interested in getting professional guidance through the process, then a consultant should be considered.

Consultants can provide a wide range of services at a wide range of prices. From providing a framework with deadlines to a full implementation, the options are endless. Keep in mind that a management system is a living tool that is constant, cyclical development. No matter what route you choose to take, it is important that the person(s) that will be managing the system understand it and the process fully.

It depends. The easiest way to understand that cost of certification is to think about three primary costs:

1. RIOS™ Membership- This is a definite cost. To find out exactly how much RIOS™ certification is for your facility, apply now.
2. Implementation- It takes time a resources to implement a management system. For facilities that choose to use a consultant, that will add costs into the process. Determining how much investment this will require depends on a number of factors, including the existence of effective safety programs, etc.
3. Audit- The cost of a RIOS™ audit varies greatly depending on the complexities of any given operation. Due to its integrated approach, RIOS™ requires significantly less audit time (therefore less money) than any equivalent combination industry standards. For detailed information about the audit process and the associated costs, please reach out to one of the certification bodies that are accredited to certify facilities to RIOS.

Audit times for recycling facilities are defined within the RIOS Certification Program. Total time is determined by the number of employees within a facility, along with the complexity and risk of the operations performed at the facility. For a list of audit times, you can review the RIOS Certification Program document, or contact one of the accredited certification bodies.

There are currently three certification bodies that are able to provide RIOS™ Audits. A complete and up-to-date list can be found here.

RIOS™ is a 3^rd party audited system that is accredited through ANAB. When your system is nearing full implementation, it is recommended that the facility contact the certification body to schedule their audits. The initial RIOS™ certification audit is a two part process. A stage 1 audit is a document review. The auditor will be on site, and will look to be sure that all of the necessary documentation is in place. They may make some recommendations for improvement by issuing non-conformances. Once those have been addressed, the auditor will come back to the facility for the Stage 2 audit. During this process, the auditor will ensure that procedures are being followed, employees are properly trained, and that the operation is in full compliance with the requirements of the RIOS™ Standard.