[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 82 (Friday, April 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21022-21023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10460]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs Administration
[Notice No. 95-7]


Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Material in the Manufacture 
of New Plastic Drums: Request for Comments

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Request for comments.

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SUMMARY: RSPA is soliciting comments on a request for approval for the 
limited use of post-consumer recycled plastic material in the 
manufacture of new plastic drums. The Hazardous Materials Regulations 
(HMR) prohibit used plastic material, other than production residues or 
regrind from the same manufacturing process, in the manufacture of new 
plastic drums. Because of the general applicability and future effect 
of such an approval, RSPA is seeking comment on the merits of the 
request from other interested parties.

DATES: Comments are requested on or before June 30, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Request copies of this request for approval from, and 
address comments to, the Dockets Unit (DHM-30), Research and Special 
Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, 
D.C. 20590-0001. Comments should identify the notice number and be 
submitted, when possible, in five copies. Persons wishing to receive 
confirmation of receipt of their comments should include a self-
addressed stamped postcard. The Dockets Unit is located in Room 8421 of 
the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C. Public 
dockets may be reviewed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday 
through Friday, except for Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Whitney, Office of Hazardous 
Materials Exemptions and Approvals, telephone (202) 366-4512, or Susan 
Murphy, Office of Hazardous Materials Technology, telephone (202) 366-
4545, Research and Special Programs Administration, Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hazardous Materials Regulations have 
historically prohibited used plastic material, other than production 
residues or regrind from the same manufacturing process, in the 
manufacture of new plastic drums for hazardous materials 
transportation. The use of post-consumer recycled plastic in packagings 
for hazardous materials raises three concerns. First, the contents of a 
plastic packaging permeate into the plastic. Materials that have 
permeated into post-consumer recycled plastic could be incompatible 
with materials subsequently placed in a packaging made from the post-
consumer recycled material. Second, in comparison with virgin 
polyethylene resin, post-consumer recycled plastic may have inferior 
strength characteristics. Third, use of post-consumer recycled plastic 
for the construction of hazardous materials packagings requires 
rigorous quality assurance control of the post-consumer recycled 
material. General application of such control measures to plastic 
packaging has not been practicable.
    Due to environmental concerns, packaging manufacturers are coming 
under increased pressures to use recycled materials in manufacturing 
new packagings. The HMR, in 49 CFR 178.601(h), state that a packaging 
having specifications different from those in Secs. 178.504-178.523 may 
be used if approved by the Associate Administrator for Hazardous 
Materials Safety. RSPA has received a request for an approval for the 
manufacture of plastic drums which do not meet the specifications of 
Sec. 178.509, because the drums would be constructed, in part, from 
post-consumer recycled plastic. Use of the drums would be limited to 
transportation of hazardous waste for disposal.
    RSPA is requesting comments in response to the following questions:
    1. Should RSPA authorize the limited use of recycled (post-
consumer) plastic in the manufacture of new drums? [[Page 21023]] 
    2. What controls (e.g., cleaning, testing, etc.) are needed to 
ensure the recycled plastic used will consistently result in a quality 
drum?
    3. Should the source of the recycled plastic be limited to certain 
types of previously used packagings or articles?
    In addition to these questions, RSPA is requesting comments on any 
issues relevant to the approval request. In responding to this notice, 
commenters should provide information on the potential safety and cost 
impacts of recommended actions.

    Issued in Washington, DC on April 24, 1995.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 95-10460 Filed 4-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P