Press Release: August 17, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GRSO (RIOS) and NSF Announce Strategic Alliance to Strengthen RIOS Compliance Infrastructure Across India

Washington, DC – GRSO (RIOS) and NSF are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding and strengthening recycling compliance capabilities throughout India and the surrounding region across a broad range of commodities, including electronics and IT Assets, scrap metals, plastics, paper and cardboard, tires, batteries, and other recyclable materials. This milestone marks the successful completion of the RIOS Auditor Course by NSF’s team in India and the establishment of a robust regional compliance infrastructure to support organizations seeking RIOS certification.

Through this alliance, NSF is now equipped with qualified RIOS auditors and the operational framework necessary to deliver consistent, high-quality auditing services that align with the globally recognized Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS). The initiative enhances regional access to experienced auditors while reinforcing the integrity and consistency of the RIOS certification process.

The collaboration represents a significant investment in advancing environmental stewardship, operational excellence, health and safety, and quality management within the recycling industry. By building local auditing capacity and strengthening compliance infrastructure, GRSO (RIOS) and NSF’s team in India are making it easier for recycling organizations throughout the region to achieve and maintain internationally recognized RIOS certification.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to raising the standard of operational excellence in India’s recycling industry,” said Shannon Fertitta, GRSO (RIOS) Executive Director. “By establishing qualified auditing resources and a strong compliance infrastructure within the region, we are creating greater accessibility to RIOS certification while maintaining the integrity and value of the standard.”

Stacey DeSantis, Technical Scheme Lead, NSF added, “Our collaboration with RIOS reflects a shared commitment to advancing best practices across the global recycling industry. NSF has supported the development of RIOS’ auditing infrastructure and participated in training and competency-building initiatives designed to ensure a strong and credible certification programme. For recyclers in India, RIOS certification provides an opportunity to demonstrate excellence in quality, environmental, health and safety conformance, while strengthening credibility with customers and stakeholders across the value chain.”

The strategic alliance underscores both organizations’ commitment to supporting the growth of responsible recycling practices and helping businesses implement management systems that improve environmental performance, workplace safety, product quality, and operational efficiency.

Organizations interested in learning more about RIOS certification or auditing services are encouraged to contact GRSO (RIOS) or NSF for additional information.

About GRSO (RIOS)

GRSO administers the Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS), an internationally recognized integrated management system designed specifically for the recycling industry. RIOS combines quality, environmental, and health and safety management into a comprehensive framework that helps recycling facilities improve performance, reduce risk, and demonstrate operational excellence.

About NSF

NSF, a global organization, provides testing, inspection, certification, auditing, and advisory services that help organizations improve quality, safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries.

Media Contact

GRSO (RIOS)
Shannon Fertitta
Executive Director
sfertitta@rioscertification.org
202-662-8554

NSF (India and Middle East)                                                                                                                  

Shreeraj Desai
Business Lead, Assurance & Inspection
shrdesai@nsf.org
91-0-810770300

Welcome to the 6th Edition of the RIOS Radar Newsletter – Q2 2026. We hope you enjoy this issue’s news and highlights.

Our Sincere THANKS to our generous GOLD sponsor, IBEC Inc.

And our SILVER sponsor, United Electronic Recycling.

Send ideas for future newsletters to sfertitta@rioscertification.org.

April 22, 2026

Washington, DC: The GRSO team is pleased to announce the following new appointments to the Board of Directors, as of April 13, 2026:
– Tom Edwards, Vesco Clean Energy
– Greg Cooksey, Midwest Recycling Center

And, would like to thank the following members, who have concluded their terms with the GRSO Board:
– George Hinkle, ARCOA
– Eric Wang, Fortune Metals

Welcome to the 5th Edition of the RIOS Radar Newsletter – Q1 2026. We hope you enjoy this issue’s news and highlights.

Thank you to our generous sponsor, MG Environmental Consulting.

Click here to download a copy. Send ideas for future newsletters to sfertitta@rioscertification.org.

Greetings from the RIOS Team!

Welcome to the fourth edition of RIOS RADAR, a newsletter for Members, Partners, and Friends of RIOS. We hope you enjoy this issue’s news and highlights. 

We welcome any feedback and ideas for future RIOS Radar newsletters – send your suggestions to sfertitta@rioscertification.org.

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September 2025: We can’t wait to connect with our RIOS community at an upcoming event! Be sure to grab some of these incredible limited edition RIOS items!

These cool double-sided custom t-shirts were from ooShirts.com – be sure to check them out for all your custom shirt needs!

Our RIOS water bottles are made from 100% recycled aluminum – an infinitely recyclable material! When you have finished using it, just toss it in your curbside recycling bin.

Washington, DC: Following an announcement made in the CTIA Certification/WISE Newsletter in August 2025, found here, the GRSO team is pleased to share that WISE (Wireless Industry Service Excellence) Certification now accepts RIOS certification as an alternative to ISO 9001 as part of the WISE Authorized Service Center program!

From the WISE announcement: “RIOS is a quality, environmental, health and safety management system developed specifically for the recycling industry. This update offers greater flexibility for facilities focused on refurbishment and sustainability, while still ensuring alignment with WISE quality standards.”

“Our team is thrilled for the alliance with CTIA’s WISE Authorized Service Center certification program. This partnership furthers our efforts to promote and maintain sustainable, responsible practices among recyclers of mobile devices, holding it to the high standard it deserves,” from Shannon Fertitta, Executive Director of GRSO/RIOS.

Additional inquiries about this partnership can be directed to the RIOS team or the CTIA/WISE team.

Greetings from the RIOS Team!

Welcome to the third edition of RIOS RADAR, a newsletter for Members, Partners, and Friends of RIOS. We hope you enjoy this issue’s news and highlights. 

We welcome any feedback and ideas for future RIOS Radar newsletters – send your suggestions to sfertitta@rioscertification.org.

Washington, DC: The GRSO team is pleased to announce the following new appointments to the Board of Directors, along with new Officer appointments (as of May 12, 2025):

• Eric Capps, Iron Mountain – New appointee
• Brad Schmidt, ARCOA group – New appointee
• Cameron Stewart, Garten Services – New appointee
• Adam Wilk, United Scrap Metal – New appointee
• Craig Boswell, HOBI – Chair
• Adam Shine, SunnKing – Vice-Chair
• Cody Oliver, PedalPoint – Treasurer

And, would like to thank the following members, who have concluded their terms with the GRSO Board:

• Gypsy Tucker, Radius
• Jim Levine, Iron Mountain
• Jerry Heitman, Sadoff