Global Recycling Standards Organization gets interim executive director

The Global Recycling Standards Organization (GRSO), which administers a variety of standards and best practices for the resource conservation sector, including the Recycling Industry Operating Standard, or RIOS, has appointed Rike Sandlin as interim executive director. He replaces Darrell Kendall, who served as director/executive director of RIOS since 2013. 

Sandlin, who served as Chair of RIOS from 2009-2016, is the founder and CEO of Alabama-based Rivervista Partners LLC, an advisor to sustainability-focused organizations in the electronics reuse and recycling industry. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), GRSO’s parent organization, his leadership has been recognized throughout the industry with appointments as chair of the RIOS board of directors, chair of ISRI’s Certification & Standards and Education & Training Committees and co-chair of the R2 Technical Advisory Committee. 

“We are excited for Rike to lend his years of experience and leadership as we build on the strong foundation set by the GRSO board of directors, setting the stage for the organization’s next phase,” says GRSO Chair George Hinkle, president of ARCOA Group. “Our priority is to continue our mission in helping recyclers of all type[s] optimize the quality of processes, improve environmental footprints and impacts while providing a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.”

“Rike has significant experience both in leading GROS and RIOS, as well as within the greater industry in setting best practices and standards development,” ISRI President Robin Wiener says. “His expertise will be invaluable as the organization continues to support recyclers around the world.”

A key focus of GRSO, RIOS standards and certification are specifically designed for the recycling industry. The program integrates the key operational elements of a management system by bringing quality, environmental and health and safety together into one system. RIOS is designed to assist recyclers of all types in improving their environmental, health and safety performance while also becoming a better partner to their customers and suppliers, according to the organization.

“I am honored to serve as interim executive director,” Sandlin says. “Serving as chair of RIOS for seven years allowed me to see firsthand the positive work and impact that GRSO is able to deliver for recyclers across all commodities. I look forward to working with the Board to develop a vision and plan for our continued growth.”