What is RIOS Certification?

To become the first auto salvage yard certified in RIOS is quite a feat. As with many certifications, it takes time and dedication. The certification process is long and time consuming, but well worth it at the end of the road. Being the first auto salvage company to attain this certification not many people are fully aware what RIOS is and what challenges certification entails. 

RIOS is an acronym that stands for Recycling Industry Operating Standards. RIOS is an integrated quality, environment, health and safety management system for the recycling industry. RIOS is functionally equivalent to the standards of ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety). The difference between RIOS, ISO and OHSAS is RIOS is specifically relevant to scrap recycling operations whereas the ISO and OHSAS standards are not. RIOS provides a powerful framework for scrap recyclers of all sizes and scrap materials to improve their bottom line.  

Understanding what exactly RIOS is is the first step, but it is also important to understand what the real purpose of RIOS is. The real purpose is based on a Plan-Do-Check-Act management system for continuous improvement. It uses a small step method for planning, setting, achieving and tracking company goals. One constant requirement is for a company to maintain realistic goals for themselves. RIOS understands that a business can’t be perfect. Every company is flawed and has weaknesses but what RIOS does is encourage businesses to continue to improve. It is important that a business doesn’t become content with where they are but must continue to strive for more. RIOS is a tool that does not focus on perfection but it focuses on realistic tactics for continuous growth and improvement. 

Initially, to be certified a company must undergo a four day audit process. During this process a registrar will come and audit the company’s management system to insure documents and procedures are in tune with actual operations. Employee interviews are conducted to answer questions given by the auditor. After this process is complete the company will be left to audit themselves with an internal audit team for the remainder of the year. After a year the registrar will come back and audit the system once again. They will be looking to be sure the company is continually improving from the last audit.

Becoming RIOS certified is an exciting achievement. Metro Auto Recyclers is the first auto salvage company to become certified. The process is long, extensive and never ending, but clearly worth the process. As a company, continued improvement is our goal and becoming RIOS certified is just one of the many benefits that come along with creating a healthy workplace. 

Green Recycled Parts

Often times the term ‘Green Recycled Parts’ confuses people. What exactly are green recycled parts and how are they different from any other auto parts? Let’s find out.

Green recycled parts are reusable, ecofriendly products gathered in an efficient, environmentally responsible way from other motor vehicles. Basically, it is taking usable parts from unusable vehicles and selling them back to the general public. The parts that are pulled from damaged motor vehicles will provide components for replacement or repair services to other damaged vehicles.

So now that we have determined what exactly green recycled parts are we must discover the importance of using these parts. There are many compelling reasons why one should consider using green recycled parts, but I’m just going to mention a few. First, the oil that recycled parts saves is immense. It is estimated that purchasing green recycled parts saves an estimated 80 billion barrels of oil annually.  Second, when a vehicle is recycled over 80% of the vehicle is reused, re-manufactured or recycled. Lastly, the amount of toxic fluids that are reclaimed is equivalent to eight Exxon Valdez disasters a year. 

Those are just a few of many reasons why using green recycled parts is the right choice. Auto recycling as a whole has such a positive impact on the environment and as a result is the ultimate environmental choice. There is no other product on earth that is recycled more than an automobile. Recycling automobiles not only keeps a plethora of dangerous toxins out of our ground, soil and water but it prevents unnecessary use of valuable landfill space. 

Even with these few reasons, it is clear that purchasing green recycled parts for your vehicle is the best choice for the environment. By reducing the need for new parts to be manufactured, scarce natural resources will be preserved, pollution will be lowered and the environment will greatly benefit.