[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 83 (Monday, May 1, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21386-21394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-506]
[[Page 21385]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VI
Environmental Protection Agency
_______________________________________________________________________
Recovered Materials Advisory Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 83 / Monday, May 1, 1995 / Notices
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[[Page 21386]]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[SWH-FRL-5198-8]
Recovered Materials Advisory Notice
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of availability of final document.
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SUMMARY: On April 20, 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency issued
a notice of the availability of the draft Recovered Materials Advisory
Notice (RMAN). The draft RMAN included EPA's recommendations for
purchasing items that are or can be produced with recovered materials
that were proposed for designation under the Federal government's
recycled content products preference program (see 59 FR 18892). Today,
EPA is providing notice that a final Recovered Materials Advisory
Notice and supporting materials are available. This action will promote
recycling by using government purchasing to expand markets for
recovered materials. Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act requires EPA to designate items that are or can be made
with recovered materials and provide recommendations for the
procurement of these items. EPA previously designated five items and
combined the designations and recommendations in item-specific
procurement guidelines.
Executive Order 12873, ``Federal Acquisition, Recycling, and Waste
Prevention,'' directs EPA to change the process for designating items
and providing recommendations. EPA now is to designate procurement
items in a Comprehensive Procurement Guideline and to provide
recommendations in related Recovered Materials Advisory Notices.
Elsewhere in today's Federal Register, EPA is finalizing its first
Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG). The CPG designates 19 new
items for which this Recovered Materials Advisory Notice provides
recommended recovered materials content levels. These recommendations
are organized within the following product categories: paper and paper
products, vehicular products, construction products, transportation
products, park and recreation products, landscaping products, and non-
paper office products.
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 1, 1996.
ADDRESSES: The public docket for this notice is Docket No. F-95-PRMF-
FFFFF, located in Room M2616 of the RCRA Information Center (RIC)--Mail
Code 5305, U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460. The RIC
is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding
Federal holidays. To review docket materials, the public must make an
appointment by calling (202) 260-9327. Materials may be copied for
$0.15 per page.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: ``RMAN for Items Designated in the
Comprehensive Procurement Guideline--Supporting Analyses'' is the
primary supporting document for the final Recovered Materials Advisory
Notice (RMAN). Both the Federal Register notice and the supporting
document will be available in electronic format on the Internet System
through the EPA Public Access Server at gopher.epa.gov. For a paper
copy of the Federal Register notice or ``RMAN for Items Designated in
the Comprehensive Procurement Guideline--Supporting Analyses,'' please
contact the RCRA Hotline at (800) 424-9346, or, in the Washington, DC
metropolitan area, (703) 412-9810. Paper copies are also available in
the RCRA Docket at the address listed in the previous section.
For technical information regarding today's recommendations for the
following individual items, contact the referenced EPA staff: Building
insulation and engine coolant--Tracy Bone (703) 308-7259; cement and
concrete containing GGBF slag and hydraulic mulch--Dana Arnold, (703)
308-7279; carpet, floor tiles and patio blocks, playground surfaces and
running tracks, yard trimmings compost, and temporary traffic control
devices--Terry Grist, (703) 308-7257; structural fiberboard, laminated
paperboard, and non-paper office products--Beverly Goldblatt, (703)
P308-7278. For all other technical information, contact Beverly
Goldblatt, (703) 308-7278, or Terry Grist (703) 308-7257.
Accessing Internet
1. Through Gopher: Go to: gopher.epa.gov
From the main menu, choose ``EPA Offices and Regions''. Next,
choose ``Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)''. Next,
choose ``Office of Solid Waste''. Then, choose ``Non-Hazardous Waste--
RCRA Subtitle D''. Finally, choose ``Procurement/RMAN''.
2. Through FTP: Go to: ftp.epa.gov
Login: anonymous
Password: Your Internet Address
Files are located in directories/pub/gopher. All OSW files are in
directories beginning with ``OSW''.
3. Through MOSAIC: Go to: http://www.epa.gov
Choose the EPA Public Access Gopher. From the main (Gopher) menu,
choose ``EPA Offices and Regions''. Next, choose ``Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER).'' Next, choose ``Office of Solid
Waste''. Then, choose ``Non-Hazardous Waste--RCRA Subtitle D''.
Finally, choose ``Procurement/RMAN''.
4. Through dial-up access:
Dial 919-558-0335. Choose EPA Public Access Gopher. From the main
(Gopher) menu, choose ``EPA Offices and Regions''. Next, choose
``Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)''. Next, choose
``Office of Solid Waste''. Then, choose ``Non-Hazardous Waste--RCRA
Subtitle D''. Finally, choose ``Procurement/RMAN''.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Authority
Today's Recovered Materials Advisory Notice is published under the
authority of sections 2002(a) and 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act,
as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 6912(a) and 6962, and Executive Order 12873 (58 FR
54911, October 22, 1993).
II. Agency's Response to Public Comments
EPA received a number of comments on the draft RMAN published on
April 20, 1994 (see 59 FR 18892-18914). The vast majority of these
comments were specific to the recovered materials content levels
recommended in the RMAN for each designated item. EPA carefully
considered all of the comments on the draft RMAN in developing the
final recommendations included in today's notice. A summary of all
comments received and the Agency's response to these comments are
provided in the document entitled ``RMAN for Items Designated in the
Comprehensive Procurement Guideline--Supporting Analyses.'' This
document also provides discussions of any changes EPA made to the April
1994 draft recommendations.
III. Consolidation of New and Existing Recommendations
In the Comprehensive Procurement Guideline, which is found in the
rules section of today's Federal Register, EPA is promulgating a final
rule designating 19 items which are or can be made with recovered
materials. The Recovered Materials Advisory Notice published here
contains EPA's final recovered [[Page 21387]] materials content level
recommendations for purchasing these 19 items.
Prior to 1993, EPA combined item designations and related
purchasing recommendations in one Federal Register notice and codified
both the designations and recommendations in the Code of Federal
Regulations. As required by Executive Order 12873, ``Federal
Acquisition, Recycling, and Waste Prevention,'' (58 FR 54911, October
22, 1993), EPA is using a new procedure for designating items and for
providing purchasing recommendations for those items. While the
designations will be codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, the
recommendations will be available in guidance documents known as
Recovered Materials Advisory Notices. In the draft RMAN (59 FR 18893),
EPA established a framework for consolidating the recommendations for
newly-designated items with the existing recommendations for paper and
paper products, re-refined lubricating oil, retread tires, building
insulation products, and cement and concrete containing coal fly ash.
EPA stated that the RMAN would incorporate the then-current
recommendations (see 59 FR 18893, April 20, 1994). Thus, the RMAN
appended to this notice contains both recommendations for the 19 new
items and recommendations consolidated from the five existing
procurement guidelines. These consolidated recommendations replace the
recommendations in the existing guidelines.
On March 15, 1995, EPA published a Federal Register notice of the
availability of a draft Paper Products Recovered Materials Advisory
Notice (60 FR 14182). When final, the recommendations in the Paper
Products RMAN will replace the recommendations found in Part II.A of
today's RMAN.
Dated: April 21, 1995.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.
Recovered Materials Advisory Notice
The following represents EPA's recommendations to procuring
agencies for purchasing the items designated in the Comprehensive
Procurement Guideline (CPG) in compliance with section 6002 of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Contents
I. General Recommendations
Part A--Definitions
Part B--Specifications
Part C--Affirmative Procurement Programs
II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items
Part A--Paper and Paper Products
Part B--Vehicular Products
Section B-1--Lubricating Oil.
Section B-2--Retread Tires.
Section B-3--Engine Coolants.
Part C--Construction Products
Section C-1--Building Insulation.
Section C-2--Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard.
Section C-3--Cement and Concrete.
Section C-4--Carpet.
Section C-5--Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks.
Part D--Transportation Products
Section D-1--Temporary Traffic Control Devices.
Part E--Park and Recreation Products
Section E-1--Playground Surfaces and Running Tracks.
Part F--Landscaping Products
Section F-1--Hydraulic Mulch.
Section F-2--Yard Trimmings Compost.
Part G--Non-Paper Office Products
Section G-1--Office Recycling Containers and Office Waste
Receptacles.
Section G-2--Plastic Desktop Accessories.
Section G-3--Toner Cartridges.
Section G-4--Binders.
Section G-5--Plastic Trash Bags.
Part H--Miscellaneous Products [Reserved]
I. General Recommendations
Part A--Definitions
As used in this Recovered Materials Advisory Notice:
Act or RCRA means the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C 6901 et
seq;
Federal agency means any department, agency, or other
instrumentality of the Federal government; any independent agency or
establishment of the Federal government including any government
corporation; and the Government Printing Office;
Person means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company,
corporation (including a government corporation), partnership,
association, Federal agency, State, municipality, commission, political
subdivision of a State, or any interstate body;
Postconsumer material means a material or finished product that has
served its intended use and has been diverted or recovered from waste
destined for disposal, having completed its life as a consumer item.
Postconsumer material is a part of the broader category of recovered
materials.
Postconsumer recovered materials, for purposes of purchasing paper
and paper products, is a subset of the broader term recovered
materials, as defined in RCRA section 6002(h), and means:
(1) Paper, paperboard and fibrous wastes from retail stores, office
buildings, homes and so forth, after they have passed through their
end-usage as a consumer item including: Used corrugated boxes; old
newspapers; old magazines; mixed waste paper; tabulating cards and used
cordage; and
(2) All paper, paperboard and fibrous wastes that enter and are
collected from municipal solid waste;
Procuring agency means any Federal agency, or any State agency or
agency of a political subdivision of a State, which is using
appropriated Federal funds for such procurement, or any person
contracting with any such agency with respect to work performed under
such contract;
Recovered materials means waste materials and byproducts which have
been recovered or diverted from solid waste, but such term does not
include those materials and byproducts generated from, and commonly
reused within, an original manufacturing process;
Part B--Specifications
EPA recommends that Federal agencies review and revise their
product specifications with a view to eliminating unnecessary
stringency as well as requirements which bear no relation to function
in order to allow for the use of recovered materials. Specifications
that bear no relation to function should be revised according to the
agency's established specifications review procedures. EPA further
recommends that, in reviewing an existing specification's provisions
pertaining to function, Federal agencies refer to existing voluntary
standards and research by organizations such as the American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Technical
Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), and the American
Institute of Paper Chemistry.
Federal agencies that reference Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs)
or appropriate industry standards should continue to reference them
when purchasing designated items. However, agencies should review or
modify CIDs and industry standards, as appropriate, to be certain that
the use of recovered materials is allowed.
Under RCRA section 6002, Federal agencies need not revise
specifications to allow or require the use of recovered materials if it
can be determined that for technical reasons, for a particular end use,
a product containing such materials will not meet reasonable
performance standards. EPA recommends that Federal agencies document
such determinations and that the determination be based on technical
performance information (including any product testing) pertaining to a
specific [[Page 21388]] item or application. EPA further recommends
that Federal agencies reference such documentation in the contract
files for subsequent procurements of the specific item.
In most cases, for the items designated in the CPG, EPA has
recovered materials content levels for specific types or grades of
items or for certain applications. EPA notes, however, that the intent
is not to preclude Federal agencies from procuring other types or
grades of items, or from using recovered materials content items for
other applications. On the contrary, if a new type or grade of a
designated item becomes available containing recovered materials or if
a Federal agency discovers a new application for which recovered
materials content is appropriate, EPA encourages the agency to revise
its specifications or develop new specifications to allow the use of
recovered materials in that type or grade of item or that specific
application.
Part C--Affirmative Procurement Programs
EPA recommends that the Environmental Executive within each major
procuring agency take the lead in developing the agency's affirmative
procurement program and in implementing the recommendations set forth
in this RMAN. The basic responsibilities of an Agency Environmental
Executive are described in sections 302 and 402 of Executive Order
12873, ``Federal Acquisition, Recycling, and Waste Prevention,'' (58 FR
54911, October 22, 1993). In the absence of such an individual, EPA
recommends that the head of the implementing agency appoint an
individual who will be responsible for ensuring the agency's compliance
with RCRA section 6002 and Executive Order 12873.
RCRA section 6002 and Executive Order 12873 require procuring
agencies to establish affirmative procurement programs for each EPA-
designated item. EPA recommends that each agency develop a single,
comprehensive affirmative procurement program with a structure that
allows for the integration of new items as they are designated.
Consistent with Executive Order 12873, EPA encourages agencies to
implement preference programs for non-guideline items as well, in order
to maximize their purchases of recycled content products and foster
markets for recovered materials.
Preference Program: In Section II of this RMAN, EPA provides
specific recommendations for procuring agencies to use when purchasing
the EPA-designated items. For most of these items, EPA recommends that
procuring agencies establish minimum content standards based on EPA's
recommended recovered materials content levels and the procuring
agencies' own research. For other items, the use of minimum content
standards is inappropriate, and procuring agencies should establish an
alternative program, as recommended by EPA.
In addition, EPA recommends that procuring agencies review their
procurement practices and eliminate those that would inhibit or
preclude the use of an item containing recovered materials. Specific
examples of such procurement practices are provided in the item-
specific recommendations, where appropriate.
Promotion Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies include
both internal and external promotion in their affirmative procurement
programs.
There are several methods that procuring agencies can use to
educate their employees about their affirmative procurement programs.
These methods include preparing and distributing agency affirmative
procurement policies, publishing articles in agency newsletters and
publications, including affirmative procurement program requirements in
agency staff manuals, and conducting workshops and training sessions to
educate employees about their responsibilities under agency affirmative
procurement programs.
Methods for educating existing contractors and potential bidders
regarding an agency's preference for purchasing products containing
recovered materials include publishing articles in appropriate trade
publications, participating in vendor shows and trade fairs, placing
statements in solicitations, and discussing an agency's affirmative
procurement program at bidders' conferences.
Monitoring: EPA recommends that procuring agencies monitor their
affirmative procurement programs, in accordance with RCRA section
6002(i)(2)(D) and Executive Order 12873, to ensure that they are
fulfilling their requirements to purchase items composed of recovered
materials to the maximum extent practicable. EPA anticipates that the
Federal Environmental Executive and the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy will request information from Federal agencies on their
affirmative procurement practices. Therefore, EPA recommends that
Federal procuring agencies maintain adequate records of procurements
that may be affected by the Executive Order and RCRA requirements.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies track their purchases of
products containing recovered materials to establish benchmarks from
which progress can be assessed. To maintain adequate records on
procurement of products containing recovered materials, EPA recommends
that procuring agencies choose to collect data on the following:
The minimum percentages of recovered materials content in
the items procured or offered;
Comparative price information on competitive procurements;
The quantity of each item procured over a fiscal year;
The availability of each item with recovered materials
content; and
Performance information related to recovered materials
content of an item.
EPA recognizes that a procuring agency may be unable to obtain
accurate data for all designated items. However, the Agency believes
that in many cases, estimated data will suffice in determining the
effectiveness of the agency's affirmative procurement program.
Certification: Certification of the recovered materials content in
products is an important mechanism for encouraging the use of recovered
materials in finished products. Because each product will be different,
EPA recommends that procuring agencies discuss certification with
product vendors to ascertain the appropriate period for certifying
recovered materials content. EPA recommends that, whenever feasible,
the recovered materials content of a product be certified on a batch-
by-batch basis or as an average over a calendar quarter or some other
appropriate averaging period as determined by the procuring agencies.
II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items
Part A--Paper and Paper Products
Following are the preference program and specifications
recommendations from the previous procurement guideline (formerly found
at 40 CFR part 250) and a subsequent Procurement Guidelines Advisory
issued by EPA on November 20, 1990. On March 15, 1995, EPA issued a
draft Paper Products Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN) in the
Federal Register (see 60 FR 14182) which contains draft revisions to
the Agency's recommendations for paper products. When EPA issues final
recommendations for paper and paper [[Page 21389]] products, procuring
agencies should substitute them for the recommendations found in this
section of the RMAN.
Preference program. EPA recommends that procuring agencies set
their minimum content levels at the highest levels that meet the
statutory requirements of RCRA section 6002(c)(1), but no lower than
the levels shown in Table A-1.
Table A-1.--EPA Recommended Minimum Content Standards of Selected Papers and Paper Products
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum
Minimum percentage of
percentage of recovered Minimum
recovered postconsumer percentage of
materials recovered waste paper\1\
materials
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Newsprint....................................................... .............. 40 ..............
High grade bleached printing and writing paper:
Offset printing............................................. .............. .............. 50
Mimeo and duplicator paper.................................. .............. .............. 50
Writing (stationery)........................................ .............. .............. 50
Office paper (e.g., note pads).............................. .............. .............. 50
Paper for high-speed copiers................................ .............. .............. 50
Envelopes................................................... .............. .............. 50
Form bond including computer paper and carbonless........... .............. .............. 50
Book papers................................................. .............. .............. 50
Bond papers................................................. .............. .............. 50
Ledger...................................................... .............. .............. 50
Cover stock................................................. .............. .............. 50
Cotton fiber papers......................................... 25 .............. 50
Tissue products:
Toilet tissue............................................... .............. 20 ..............
Paper towels................................................ .............. 40 ..............
Paper napkins............................................... .............. 30 ..............
Facial tissue............................................... .............. 5 ..............
Doilies..................................................... .............. 40 ..............
Industrial wipers........................................... .............. 0 ..............
Unbleached packaging:
Corrugated boxes............................................ .............. 35 ..............
Fiber boxes................................................. .............. 35 ..............
Brown papers (e.g., bags)................................... .............. 5 ..............
Recycled paperboard:
Recycled paperboard products including folding cartons...... .............. 80 ..............
Pad backing................................................. .............. 90 ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Waste paper is defined in 40 CFR 247 (old 40 CFR 250) and refers to specified postconsumer and other
recovered materials.
Part B--Vehicular Products
Section B-1--Lubricating Oil
Preference Program. EPA recommends that procuring agencies set
their minimum re-refined oil content standard at the highest level of
re-refined oil that they determine meets the statutory requirements of
RCRA section 6002(c)(1), but no lower than 25 percent re-refined oil.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies review their procurement
practices and eliminate those which would inhibit or preclude
procurement of lubricating oils containing re-refined oil. For example,
procuring agencies should review the practices of inviting bids and
issuing contracts to do the following:
(1) Supply a broad range of lubricating oil products on an ``all or
none'' basis.
(2) Supply lubricating oils for an excessively long period of time.
(3) Deliver lubricating oils to geographic locations throughout the
United States or to an excessively broad geographic area.
(4) Supply excessively large contract quantities.
Specifications. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the
following specifications when procuring lubricating oils containing re-
refined oil:
(1) Engine lubricating oils.
(i) A-A-52039--Commercial Item Description, Lubricating Oil,
Automotive Engine, API Service SG (replaced MIL-L-46152, Lubricating
Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Administrative Service).
(ii) API Engine Service Category SF-1980 Gasoline Engine Warranty
Maintenance Service (or current category)
(iii) A-A-52306--Commercial Item Description, Lubricating Oil,
Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine (for wheeled vehicles only)
(iv) API Engine Service Category CC--Diesel Engine Service (or
current category)
(v) MIL-L-2104, Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine,
Combat/Tactical Service
(vi) API Engine Service Category CD--Diesel Engine Service (or
current category)
(vii) MIL-L-21260D (or current version)--Lubricating Oil, Internal
Combustion Engine, Preservative and Break-in
(viii) MIL-L-46167B (or current version)--Lubricating Oil, Internal
Combustion Engine, Arctic
(2) Hydraulic fluids.
(i) MIL-H-5606E (or current version)--Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum
Base, Aircraft, Missile, and Ordnance
(ii) MIL-H-6083E (or current version)--Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum
Base, For Preservation and Operation
(3) Gear oils.
(i) MIL-L-2105D (or current version) Lubricating Oil, Gear,
Multipurpose
(b) Copies of the military specifications can be obtained from:
Commanding Officer, Naval Publications and Forms Center, 5801
[[Page 21390]] Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120.
Preference program. EPA recommends that procuring agencies
establish preference programs consisting of two components:
(1) Procurement of tire retreading services for the agencies' used
tire casings. EPA recommends that procuring agencies specify that tire
repair and retread services must conform to Federal Specification ZZ-T-
441H (or current version); obtain retreading services from retreaders
participating in the U.S. General Services Administration, Federal Tire
Program's Quality Assurance Facility Inspection Program (QAFIP); and
require bidders to submit a copy of their current certification under
the QAFIP.
(2) Procurement of tires through competition between vendors of new
tires and vendors of retread tires. EPA recommends that procuring
agencies specify that retread tires must meet the requirements of
Federal Specification ZZ-T-381, ``Tires, Pneumatic, Vehicular (Highway)
(New and Retreaded),'' and be listed on Qualified Products List QPL-ZZ-
T-381, issue in effect. EPA further recommends that procuring agencies
require bidders to submit a copy of their current certification under
the U.S. General Services Administration, Federal Tire Program's
Quality Assurance Facility Inspection Program (QAFIP).
In the event that identical low bids are received in response to a
solicitation, all other factors being equal, procuring agencies should
provide a preference to the vendor offering to supply the greatest
number of retread tires.
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies whose
vehicles are serviced by a motor pool or vehicle maintenance facility
establish a program for engine coolant reclamation and reuse,
consisting of either reclaiming the spent engine coolants on-site for
use in the agencies' vehicles, or establishing a service contract for
reclamation of the agencies' spent engine coolant for use in the
agencies' vehicles.
EPA also recommends that procuring agencies request reclaimed
engine coolant when having their vehicles serviced at commercial
service centers. Additionally, EPA recommends that agencies purchase
reclaimed engine coolant when making direct purchases of this item such
as when necessary to make up for losses due to leakage or spillage.
EPA does not recommend one type of engine coolant over another.
However, EPA recommends that procuring agencies purchase engine coolant
containing only one base chemical, typically ethylene glycol or
propylene glycol, to prevent the commingling of incompatible types of
engine coolant.
Part C--Construction Products
Note: Refer to Part F--Landscaping Products for additional items
that can be used in construction.
Section C-1.--Building Insulation
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table C-1, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing building
insulation products.
Table C-1.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Building
Insulation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recovered materials (materials and
Insulation material %)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rock Wool.......................... Slag 75.
Fiberglass......................... Glass cullet 20-25.
Cellulose loose-fill and spray-on.. Postconsumer paper 75.
Perlite composite board............ Postconsumer paper 23
Plastic Rigid Foam, Recovered material 9.
Polyisocyanurate/polyurethane:
Rigid foam.
Foam-in-place...................... Recovered material 5.
Glass fiber reinforced............. Recovered material 6.
Phenolic rigid foam................ Recovered material 5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are
based on the weight (not volume) of materials in the insulating core
only.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies reference
ASTM standard specification D 5359, ``Glass Cullet Recovered from Waste
for Use in Manufacture of Glass Fiber,'' in Invitations for Bid and
Requests for Proposal.
Section C-2--Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table C-2, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing structural
fiberboard or laminated paperboard products for use in either
insulating or structural applications.
Table C-2.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Postconsumer recovered
Product recovered materials
paper (%) content
(%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structural fiberboards......................... ............ 80-100
Laminated paperboards.......................... 100 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The recovered materials content levels are based on the
weight (not volume) of materials in the insulating core only.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use ASTM
Standard Specification C 208 and ANSI/AHA specification A194.1. EPA
further recommends that, when purchasing structural fiberboard products
containing recovered paper, procuring agencies (1) reference the
technical requirements of ASTM C 208, ``Insulating Board (Cellulosic
Fiber), Structural and Decorative,'' (2) permit structural fiberboard
products made from recovered paper where appropriate, and (3) permit
products such as floor underlayment and roof overlay containing
recovered paper.
EPA further recommends that procuring agencies review their
specifications for insulating products and revise them as necessary to
obtain the appropriate ``R''-value without unnecessarily precluding the
purchase of products containing recovered materials.
Section C-3--Cement and Concrete
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies prepare
or revise their procurement programs for cement and concrete or for
construction projects involving cement and concrete to allow the use of
coal fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBF slag), as
appropriate. EPA does not recommend that procuring agencies favor one
recovered material over the other. Rather, EPA recommends that
procuring agencies consider the use of both recovered materials and
choose the one that meets their performance requirements, consistent
with availability and price considerations. EPA also recommends that
procuring agencies specifically include provisions in all construction
contracts to allow for the use, as optional or alternate materials, of
cement or concrete which contains coal fly ash or GGBF slag, where
appropriate.
Due to variations in coal fly ash, GGBF slag, cement, strength
[[Page 21391]] requirements, costs, and construction practices, EPA is
not recommending recovered materials content levels for cement or
concrete containing coal fly ash or GGBF slag. However, EPA is
providing the following information about recovered materials content.
Replacement rates of coal fly ash for cement in the
production of blended cement generally do not exceed 20-30 percent,
although coal fly ash blended cements may range from 0-40 percent coal
fly ash by weight, according to ASTM C 595, for cement Types IP and
I(PM). Fifteen percent is a more accepted rate when coal fly ash is
used as a partial cement replacement as an admixture in concrete.
According to ASTM C 595, GGBF slag may replace up to 70
percent of the Portland cement in some concrete mixtures. Most GGBF
slag concrete mixtures contain between 25 and 50 percent GGBF slag by
weight. EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer, at a minimum, to
ASTM C 595 for the GGBF slag content appropriate for the intended use
of the cement and concrete.
Specifications: The following recommendations address guide
specifications, materials specifications, contract specifications,
performance standards, mix design, and quality control.
Guide specifications. EPA recommends that procuring
agencies ensure that their guide specifications do not inappropriately
or unfairly discriminate against the use of coal fly ash or GGBF slag
in cement and concrete. EPA further recommends that procuring agencies
revise their guide specifications to require that contract
specifications for individual construction projects or products allow
for the use of coal fly ash or GGBF slag, unless the use of these
materials is technically inappropriate for a particular construction
application.
Materials specifications. EPA recommends that procuring
agencies use the existing voluntary consensus specifications referenced
in Table C-3 for cement and concrete containing GGBF slag.
Table C-3.--Recommended Specifications for Cement and Concrete
Containing Recovered Materials
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cement specifications Concrete specifications
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTM C 595, ``Standard ASTM C 618, ``Standard Specification for Fly
Specification for Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for
Blended Hydraulic Use as a Mineral Admixture in Portland
Cements.''. Cement Concrete.''
ASTM C 150, ``Standard ASTM C 311, ``Standard Methods of Sampling
Specification for and Testing Fly Ash and Natural Pozzolans
Portland Cement.''. for Use as a Mineral Admixture in Portland
Cement Concrete.''
AASHTO M 240, ``Blended ASTM C 989, ``Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace
Hydraulic Cements.''. Slag for Use in Concrete Mortars.''
AASHTO M 302, ``Ground Granulated Blast
Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete and
Mortars.''
American Concrete Institute Standard Practice
ACI 226.R1, ``Ground Granulated Blast-
Furnace Slag as a Cementitious Constituent
in Concrete.''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State specifications. EPA recommends that procuring
agencies consult other agencies with established specifications for
coal fly ash or GGBF slag to benefit from their experience. Procuring
agencies can consult the Federal Highway Administration, which
maintains a data base of state highway agency material specifications.
The States of Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida,
Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia
have adopted specifications which allow the use of GGBF slag in one or
more applications. If needed, procuring agencies can obtain these
specifications from the respective state transportation departments and
adapt them for use in their programs for cement and concrete, as
appropriate.
Contract specifications. EPA recommends that procuring
agencies which prepare or review ``contract'' specifications for
individual construction projects revise those specifications to allow
the use of cement and concrete containing coal fly ash or GGBF slag as
optional or alternate materials for the project, where appropriate,
consistent with the agencies' performance and price objectives.
Performance standards. EPA recommends that procuring
agencies review and, if necessary, revise performance standards
relating to cement or concrete construction projects to insure that
they do not arbitrarily restrict the use of coal fly ash or GGBF slag,
either intentionally or inadvertently, unless the restriction is
justified on a job-by-job basis: (1) To meet reasonable performance
requirements for the cement or concrete or (2) because the use of coal
fly ash or GGBF slag would be inappropriate for technical reasons. EPA
recommends that this justification be documented based on specific
technical performance information. Legitimate documentation of
technical infeasibility for coal fly ash or GGBF slag can be for
certain classes of applications, rather than on a job-by-job basis.
Procuring agencies should reference such documentation in individual
contract specifications to avoid extensive repetition of previously
documented points. However, procuring agencies should be prepared to
submit such documentation to analysis by interested persons, and should
have a review process available in the event of disagreements.
Mix design. In concrete mix design specifications which
specify minimum cement content or maximum water, the cement ratios
could potentially unfairly discriminate against the use of coal fly ash
or GGBF slag. Such specifications should be changed in order to allow
the partial substitution of coal fly ash or GGBF slag for cement in the
concrete mixture, unless technically inappropriate. Cement ratios may
be retained, as long as they reflect the cementitious characteristics
which coal fly ash or GGBF slag can impart to a concrete mixture, e.g.,
by considering Portland cement plus coal fly ash or Portland cement
plus GGBF slag as the total cementitious component.
Quality control. Nothing in this RMAN should be construed
to relieve the contractor of responsibility for providing a
satisfactory product. Cement and concrete suppliers are already
responsible both for the quality of the ingredients of their product
and for meeting appropriate performance requirements, and will continue
to be under this RMAN. Nothing in EPA's recommendations should be
construed as a shift in normal industry procedures for assigning
responsibility and liability for product quality.
Procuring agencies should expect suppliers of blended cement, coal
fly ash or GGBF slag, and concrete to demonstrate (through reasonable
testing programs or previous experience) the [[Page 21392]] performance
and reliability of their product and the adequacy of their quality
control programs. However, procuring agencies should not subject cement
and concrete containing coal fly ash or GGBF slag to any unreasonable
testing requirements.
In accordance with standard industry practice, coal fly ash and
GGBF slag suppliers should be required to provide to users a statement
of the key characteristics of the product supplied. These
characteristics may be stated in appropriate ranges. Other
characteristics should be requested as needed by the procuring agency.
Agencies desiring a testing or quality assurance program for
cements, blended cements, or coal fly ash should contact the U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, PO Box 631, Vicksburg,
Mississippi 39180.
Section C-4--Carpet
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table C-4, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing polyester
carpet for light- and moderate-wear applications. This recommendation
does not include polyester carpet for use in heavy-wear or severe-wear
applications; however, procuring agencies are encouraged to evaluate
the suitability of polyester carpet in these applications. These
recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing
carpet made of other materials, such as nylon, wool, or polypropylene.
Table C-4.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Carpet
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postconsumer
Product Resin Materials
(%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polyester Carpet Face Fiber.................... PET 25-100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications: EPA recommends that Federal procuring agencies use
GSA's New Item Introductory Schedule when purchasing polyester carpet
containing recovered materials. EPA also recommends that procuring
agencies review their specifications and revise them to permit, where
suitable, the use of polyester carpet containing recovered materials.
In particular, EPA recommends that agencies currently limiting carpet
materials to nylon, wool, or other materials consider adding polyester,
where appropriate, to enable them to procure carpet containing
recovered materials.
Section C-5--Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table C-5, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing heavy-duty/
commercial type floor tiles and patio blocks made with rubber or
plastic.
Table C-5.--Recommended Recovered Materials Levels for Floor Tiles and
Patio Blocks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Postconsumer recovered
Product Material materials materials
(%) (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patio blocks.......... rubber or rubber 90-100 ...........
blends.
Plastic or plastic ............ 90-100
blends.
Floor tiles (heavy Rubber............... 90-100 ...........
duty/commercial use).
Plastic.............. ............ 90-100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are
based on the dry weight of the raw materials, exclusive of any
additives such as adhesives, binders, or coloring agents. EPA's
recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing
floor tiles or patio blocks manufactured from another material. It
simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing floor
tiles or patio blocks made from rubber or plastic, purchase these
items made from recovered materials. Recommendations for floor tiles
are limited to heavy-duty/commercial-type applications only.
Part D--Transportation Products
Section D-1--Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table D-1, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in traffic cones and
traffic barricades.
Table D-1.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Traffic
Cones and Traffic Barricades
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Postconsumer recovered
Product Material materials materials
(%) (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traffic Cones......... PVC, LDPE, Crumb ............ 50--100
Rubber.
Traffic Barricades HDPE, LDPE, PET Steel 80--100 100
(Type I & II only).
Fiberglass........... ............ 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are
based on the dry weight of the raw materials, exclusive of any
additives such as adhesives, binders, or coloring agents.
Part E--Park and Recreation Products
Section E-1--Playground Surfaces and Running Tracks
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table E-1, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing playground
surfaces and running tracks made of rubber or plastic.
[[Page 21393]]
Table E-1.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Playground Surfaces and Running Tracks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postconsumer
recovered
Product Material materials
(%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playground Surfaces......... Rubber or Plastic........... 90--100
Running Tracks.............. Rubber or Plastic........... 90--100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are
based on the dry weight of the raw materials, exclusive of any
additives such as adhesives, binders, or coloring agents. EPA's
recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing
playground surfaces or running tracks manufactured from another
material. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when
purchasing playground surfaces or running tracks made from rubber or
plastic, purchase these items made from recovered materials.
Part F--Landscaping Products
Section F-1--Hydraulic Mulch
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table F-1, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for paper-based and wood-based
hydraulic mulch products.
Table F-1.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Hydraulic
Mulch Products
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recovered materials (materials and
Hydraulic mulch products %)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper-Based Hydraulic Mulch........ Postconsumer recovered paper 100.
Wood-Based Hydraulic Mulch......... Recovered wood and/or paper 100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are
based on the dry weight of the fiber, exclusive of any dyes, wetting
agents, seeds, fertilizer, or other non-cellulose additives.
Section F-2--Yard Trimmings Compost
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies purchase
or use compost made from yard trimmings, leaves, and/or grass clippings
in such applications as landscaping, seeding of grass or other plants
on roadsides and embankments, as nutritious mulch under trees and
shrubs, and in erosion control and soil reclamation.
EPA further recommends that those procuring agencies that have an
adequate volume of yard trimmings, leaves, and/or grass clippings, as
well as sufficient space for composting, should implement a composting
system to produce compost from these materials to meet their
landscaping and other needs.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that
there is no language in their specifications for fertilizers and soil
amendments that would preclude or discourage the use of compost. For
instance, if specifications address the use of straw or hay in roadside
revegetation projects, procuring agencies should assess whether compost
could substitute for straw or hay or be used in combination with them.
The State of Maine has developed quality standards for compost
products that are used by its agencies and/or purchased with state
funds. The quality standards have been set for six types of compost
products, ranging from topsoil (three classes), to wetland substrate,
to mulch (two classes). For each of these types of compost product,
standards for maturity, odor, texture, nutrients, Ph, salt content,
organic content, pathogen reduction, heavy metals, foreign matter,
moisture content, and density have been established. EPA recommends
that procuring agencies obtain and adapt this or another suitable
specification for their use in purchasing compost products.
Part G--Non-Paper Office Products
Section G-1--Office Recycling Containers and Office Waste Receptacles
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table G-1, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing office
recycling containers and office waste receptacles.
Table G-1.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Office
Recycling Containers and Office Waste Receptacles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recovered materials (materials and
Product percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office Recycling Containers and Plastic 20-100 Postconsumer
Office Waste Receptacles. Recovered Materials.
Paper Refer to the Paper Products
Recommendations in Part A of RMAN.
Steel 25-100 Total recovered
materials.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: EPA's recommendation for office recycling containers and
office waste receptacles containing recovered plastic, paper, or
steel does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing
containers or receptacles manufactured using another material, such
as wood. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when
purchasing office recycling containers or office waste receptacles
manufactured from plastic, paper, or steel, seek such containers
made with recovered materials. [[Page 21394]]
Section G-2-Desktop Accessories
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table G-2, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic
desktop accessories. If items are not available within the recommended
range, procuring agencies should seek the items with the highest
percentage of recovered materials practicable.
Table G-2--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic
Desktop Accessories
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postconsumer recovered materials
Product (material and percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastic Desktop Accessories........ Polystyrene 25-80.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies
from purchasing a desktop accessory manufactured from another
material, such as paper, wood, or steel. It simply recommends that,
when purchasing plastic desktop accessories, procuring agencies
purchase these items made from recovered materials.
Section G-3--Toner Cartridges
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies
establish procedures and policies that give priority to remanufacturing
the agencies' expended toner cartridges. EPA recommends that, under
such policies and procedures, procuring agencies procure
remanufacturing services for expended cartridges and, when such
services are unavailable or not practicable, obtain remanufactured
toner cartridges or new toner cartridges made with recovered materials
from product vendors.
Section G-4--Binders
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered
materials content levels shown in Table G-3, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing binders.
Table G-3.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Binders
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recovered materials (materials and
Product percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastic-Covered Binders (Plastic Plastic 25-50.
Covering).
Chipboard, Paperboard, or Paper Refer to Paper Products
Pressboard Binders or Binder Recommendations in Part A of RMAN.
Components.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The chipboard, paperboard, or pressboard binders or
components of plastic-covered binders or binders covered with
another material, such as cloth, are covered under the
recommendation for paper and paper products (see Part A of the
RMAN). EPA's recommendations do not preclude procuring agencies from
purchasing binders covered with or manufactured using another
material, such as cloth. It simply recommends that procuring
agencies, when purchasing binder types designated in the procurement
guidelines, purchase these binders containing recovered materials.
Specifications: GSA's specification for binders, A-A-2549A, covers
four types of binders, including cloth bound, flexible cover; cloth
bound, stiff cover; plastic bound, flexible cover; and plastic bound,
stiff cover. In the specification, GSA requires its binders to contain
``a minimum of 100% waste paper, including a minimum of 30%
postconsumer recovered materials.''
Section G-5--Plastic Trash Bags
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the content
levels shown in Table G-4, procuring agencies establish minimum content
standards for use in purchasing plastic trash bags.
Table G-4.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic
Trash Bags
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postconsumer recovered
Product materials (material and
percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastic Trash Bags........................... Plastic 10-100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies
from purchasing a trash bag manufactured using another material,
such as paper. It merely recommends that procuring agencies, when
purchasing plastic trash bags, purchase these items made from
recovered materials.
Part H--Miscellaneous Products
[FR Doc. 95-506 Filed 4-28-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P