RCI Certification and Rates

The Recycling Certification Institute’s process from registration to certification is a robust review of a facility’s operations surrounding processing of materials and the collection and storage of data regarding where the materials end once processed.   The Recycling Certification Institute (RCI) has defined the process from initial Registration to Certification as 9 steps, over a period of 6-12 months.  The Path to RCI Certification will help you to better understand the process.

Overview of the Path to RCI Certification

Registration

To start the process, check the “Requirements” page to find out what information you will need to proceed. Click “Get Started” when you are ready to enter your information. Be sure to submit the Registration Application form when you have completed it. RCI will process and review your facility’s information.  Once RCI has accepted your Registration Application, we will send you an engagement letter and invoice for the balance of the registration fee. To become Certified, ALL facilities must first Register and pay a non-refundable deposit toward the registration fee.

Onboarding

During the onboarding process, a facility will work with RCI staff and an RCI Evaluator to learn about RCI’s Certification process and systems.  RCI staff will do an initial virtual onboarding that will include a review of RCI’s Certification process and RCI’s data submittal process.  At this time, the facility will also schedule an in person onboarding with an RCI evaluator to tailor the education and communication to the facility. This will build better ongoing communication between RCI and the Facility while completing the Application for Certification.  All processing facilities are tailored to local needs, making each one unique.  These onboarding experiences allow RCI to clearly answer questions about how the certification protocol applies to an individual facility. .

Application for Certification

A facility is required to complete RCI’s Application for Certification and submit ongoing data uploads to RCI’s platform.  Throughout this time the Facility will have contact with an RCI evaluator to answer questions and provide guidance on RCI’s certification process.

Final Certification

The Certification process may vary depending on the size and type of facility. However, it remains consistent by applying standard protocols to measure and account for a facility’s materials input and output to determine overall facility re-use, recycling, and recovery performance.  After the Facility’s Application for Certification documents are determined to be complete and all data has been submitted, RCI will conduct a review. If necessary RCI will reach out for additional information or clarification. Once RCI determines the information provided meets RCI requirements, RCI will schedule a visit of your facility to conduct an onsite Evaluation for Certification.

The overall objectives of applying the Certification Standard are to:

• Verify the processes for accounting for the materials inputs and outputs of a facility over a specified period of time.
• Provide an objective and transparent process for eligible firms seeking to communicate their reuse, recycling, and recovery of C&D materials.
• Provide users of RCI-Certified Facilities an assurance that the procedures and declarations are consistently applied and verified.

RCI Certification Rates (PDF)

Rates to Become Certified

• Registration Fee $2,500.00
  • Deposit $400.00 Due at signup
  • Balance $2,100.00 Due prior to Onboarding
• Monthly Subscription Fee $629.00
  • Due on the first of each calendar month
• Certification Fee $5,000.00 plus Reimbursements
  • Due prior to onsite evaluation
  • Reimbursement for Evaluator Travel as needed

Rates to Maintain Certification

• Monthly Subscription Fee $629.00
  • Due on the first of each calendar month
  • $00.07/ton for facilities processing greater than 50,000 tons per year
  • Reimbursement for Evaluator Travel as needed

Rates effective 08/01/2025