Code of Conduct

1.0 Preamble

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) represents both small and large scrap recycling businesses worldwide.  ISRI members (Members) are critical partners in the manufacturing chain, unparalleled collaborators in the initiative towards sustainability, and economic drivers for local communities and the global economy. ISRI’s goal is to maintain an ethical, safe, professional, and environmentally responsible climate to assure continued public and business confidence in the scrap recycling industry. Therefore, ISRI recommends that members adopt this Code of Conduct (Code) to guide and govern their operations. The standards set forth in the Code are not new, but rather, they reflect the commitment to professionalism and community service to which ISRI Members have long adhered, and they serve as a renewed promise that ISRI Members will continue to embody these ideals as their leadership role in local and global commerce continues to grow. Ultimately, this Code is designed to assist Members in acting responsibly, ethically, and in a manner that fosters the highest level of professionalism in the provision of recycling services.

2.0 Member Values

2.1 To Our Customers
We value open, honest, and fair transactions, conducted by trained and knowledgeable staff who will ensure integrity, accuracy, and safety at our facilities.

Downloadable version of the    code of conduct.

2.2 To Our Employees
We value a safe and healthy workplace, and equal opportunity for employment, development, and advancement for all employees.

2.3 To Government and Law Enforcement
We value working with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure the safe and secure operation of our facilities, and to continuing to lead the effort to identify, report, and prevent materials theft.

2.4 To Our Communities
We value our role as critical partners in finding sustainable economic and environmental solutions, to operating as good corporate citizens, and to supporting the social welfare and economic development of the communities in which we live and work.

3.0 Business Conduct

3.1 Business Practices
Members are committed to conducting business honestly, ensuring that their weighing and buying practices are fair and accurate, and ensuring that materials shipped conform to agreed-upon contract specifications. In addition, Members are encouraged to consider further measures to continually assess and improve their business practices, such as by participating in ISRI-sponsored programs or attending other business training and certification programs.

3.2 Safety
Members are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and the public.  In addition, Members are encouraged to consider further measures to continually assess and improve safety practices in their workplace, such as by participating in ISRI’s Scrap Safety Blueprint Action Plan or similar safety training and certification programs.

3.3 Materials Theft
Members are committed to cooperating with local, state, and federal law enforcement to identify, report, and prevent materials theft.  In addition, Members are encouraged to consider further measures to train employees on how to identify suspicious transactions, how to respond when stolen or suspicious materials are offered for sale, and how to utilize metals theft notification programs, such as ISRI’s Metals Theft Alert System and similar local or regional materials theft notification programs.

3.4 Compliance with Applicable Laws
Members are committed to complying with all local, state, and federals laws and regulations applicable to their businesses and facilities.  In addition, Members are encouraged to consider further measures to continually assess and improve their practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, such as by participating in ISRI-sponsored programs or similar programs addressing laws and regulations relating to the scrap recycling industry.

3.5 Further Measures
In addition to these standards, Members are encouraged to consider further measures to manage quality, environmental, and health and safety issues in their operations, such as by adopting ISRI’s Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS) or similar ISO standards and certification programs.