[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 165 (Wednesday, August 26, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45580-45589]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-22794]



[[Page 45579]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part III





Environmental Protection Agency





_______________________________________________________________________



Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 26, 1998 / 
Notices  

[[Page 45580]]



ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[SWH-FRL-6151-9]


Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of draft document for review.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) today 
is providing notice of the issuance of a draft Recovered Materials 
Advisory Notice (RMAN III) that provides guidance to procuring agencies 
for purchasing certain items containing recovered materials. Under 
section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, EPA 
designates items that are or can be made with recovered materials and 
provides recommendations for the procurement of these items. Elsewhere 
in today's Federal Register, EPA is proposing to designate the 
following 19 additional items: nylon carpet with recycled content 
backing, carpet cushion, flowable fill, railroad grade crossing 
surfaces, park and recreational furniture, playground equipment, food 
waste compost, plastic lumber landscaping timbers and posts, solid 
plastic binders, plastic clipboards, plastic file folders, plastic clip 
portfolios, plastic presentation folders, absorbents and adsorbents, 
industrial drums, awards and plaques, mats, signage, and manual-grade 
strapping. Today's draft RMAN III contains recommended recovered 
materials content levels for these items.

DATES: EPA will accept public comments on the recommendations contained 
in the draft RMAN III until October 26, 1998.

ADDRESSES: To comment on this notice, please send an original and two 
copies of comments to: RCRA Information Center (5305W), U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20460. Please place the docket number F-98-CP3P-FFFFF on your comments.
    If any information is confidential, it should be identified as 
such. An original and two copies of Confidential Business Information 
(CBI) must be submitted under separate cover to: Document Control 
Officer (5305), Office of Solid Waste, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460.
    Documents related to today's notice are available for viewing at 
the RCRA Information Center (RIC), located at: U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Ground Floor, Crystal 
Gateway One, Arlington, VA 22202. The RIC is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. The public must 
make an appointment to review docket materials. Call (703) 603-9230 for 
appointments. Copies cost $.15 per page.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact the 
RCRA Hotline at (800) 424-9346 or TDD (800) 553-7672 (hearing 
impaired). In the Washington, DC metropolitan area, call (703) 412-9810 
or TDD (703) 412-3323. For technical information on individual item 
recommendations, contact Terry Grist at (703) 308-7257.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Authority

    The draft Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN III) is issued 
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 (RCRA), as amended; 42 U.S.C. 6912(a) and 2962; and section 502 
of Executive Order 12873 (58 FR 54911, October 20, 1993).

II. Background

    Section 6002 of RCRA establishes a Federal buy-recycled program. 
RCRA section 6002(e) requires EPA to (1) designate items that are or 
can be made with recovered materials and (2) prepare guidelines to 
assist procuring agencies in complying with affirmative procurement 
requirements set forth in paragraphs (c), (d), and (i) of section 6002. 
Once EPA has designated items, section 6002 requires that any procuring 
agency using appropriated Federal funds to procure those items must 
purchase them composed of the highest percentage of recovered materials 
practicable. For the purposes of RCRA section 6002, procuring agencies 
include the following: (1) any Federal agency; (2) any State or local 
agencies using appropriated Federal funds for a procurement, or (3) any 
contractors with these agencies (with respect to work performed under 
the contract). The requirements of RCRA section 6002 apply to such 
procuring agencies only when procuring designated items where the price 
of the item exceeds $10,000 or the quantity of the item purchased in 
the previous year exceeded $10,000.
    Executive Order 12873 (the Executive Order) (58 FR 54911, October 
22, 1993) directs EPA to designate items in a Comprehensive Procurement 
Guideline (CPG) and publish guidance that contains EPA's recommended 
recovered content levels for the designated items in the RMANs. The 
Executive Order further directs EPA to update the CPG annually and the 
RMANs periodically to reflect changes in market conditions. EPA 
codifies the CPG designations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 
but, because the recommendations are guidance, the RMANs are not 
codified in the CFR. This process enables EPA to revise its 
recommendations in response to changes in a product's availability or 
recovered materials content so as to provide timely assistance to 
procuring agencies in fulfilling their RCRA section 6002 
responsibilities.
    EPA issued CPG I on May 1, 1995 (60 FR 21370) designating 19 new 
items and published RMAN I for the designated items on the same day (60 
FR 21386). These notices also consolidated the guidelines previously 
issued for five items designated between 1983 and 1989. The first CPG 
update (CPG II) was published on November 13, 1997, and designated an 
additional 12 products. Today, in a separate section of the Federal 
Register, EPA is proposing to designate 19 new items (CPG III). Today's 
draft RMAN III recommends recovered materials content levels and 
procurement guidance for these 19 new items: nylon carpet with backing 
containing recovered materials, carpet cushion, flowable fill, railroad 
grade crossing surfaces, park and recreational furniture, playground 
equipment, food waste compost, plastic lumber landscaping timbers and 
posts, solid plastic binders, plastic clipboards, plastic file folders, 
plastic clip portfolios, plastic presentation folders, absorbents and 
adsorbents, industrial drums, awards and plaques, mats, signage, and 
manual-grade strapping. Once finalized, today's RMAN will serve as 
companion guidance to the previous RMANs.
    EPA, once again, wants to stress that the recommendations in RMAN 
III are just that--recommendations and guidance to procuring agencies 
in fulfilling their obligations under RCRA section 6002. The 
designation of an item as one that is or can be produced with recovered 
materials and the inclusions of recommended content levels for an item 
in the RMAN does not compel the procurement of an item when the item is 
not suitable for its intended purpose. RCRA section 6002 is explicit in 
this regard when it authorizes a procuring agency not to procure a 
designated item which ``fails to meet the performance standards set 
forth in the applicable specification or fails to meet the reasonable 
performance standards of the

[[Page 45581]]

procuring agencies.'' Section 6002(1)(B), 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(B).
    Thus, for example, in the proposal section of today's Federal 
Register, EPA has proposed to designate railroad grade crossing 
surfaces as items that are or can be made with recovered materials. The 
Agency's research shows that these items can be made with rubber, 
cement, or steel containing recovered materials. If EPA adopts the 
proposed designation and recommendations for railroad grade crossing 
surfaces, however, the mere fact that they are available containing 
recovered materials does not require the use of rubber, steel, or 
concrete railroad grade crossing surfaces in every circumstance. The 
choice of appropriate materials to be used in construction applications 
remains with project engineers, construction contracts, and, in the 
case of buildings, architects. The effect of designation (and RCRA 
section 6002) is simply to require the purchase of items containing 
recovered materials where consistent with the purpose for which the 
item is to be used. Procuring agencies remain free to procure 
designated items made from other materials where the design 
specifications call for other materials. However, agencies must 
affirmatively determine whether items containing recovered materials 
meet their performance needs.1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See also the revisions to the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
requiring that the statement of work for facility design contracts 
``shall require that the architect-engineer specify, in the 
construction design specifications, use of the maximum practicable 
amount of recovered materials consistent with the performance 
requirements, availability, price reasonableness, and cost-
effectiveness.'' (62 FR 44812, August 22, 1997, revising 48 CFR 
36.601-3(a).)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Methodology for Recommending Recovered Materials Content Levels

    In providing guidance in the RMANs, the Executive Order directs EPA 
to present ``the range of recovered materials content levels within 
which the designated recycled items are currently available.'' Based on 
the information available to the Agency, EPA recommends ranges that 
encourage manufacturers to incorporate the maximum amount of recovered 
materials into their products without compromising competition or 
product performance and availability. EPA recommends that procuring 
agencies use these ranges, in conjunction with their own research, to 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing the 
designated items. EPA recommends ranges rather than minimum standards 
for several reasons:
    First, the Executive Order directs EPA to develop ranges, not 
minimum content standards or specific recovered materials levels.
    Second, EPA has only limited information on recovered materials 
content levels for the new items proposed for designation. It would not 
be appropriate to establish minimum content standards without more 
detailed information because the standards may be treated as maximum 
targets by manufacturers and may stifle innovative approaches for 
increasing recovered material use. EPA hopes that the use of ranges 
will encourage manufacturers producing at the low end of the recovered 
materials range to seek ways of increasing their recovered materials 
usage. Minimum content standards are less likely to encourage such 
innovation.
    Third, many items are purchased locally rather than centrally. As a 
result, the recovered materials content of the items are likely to vary 
from region to region depending on local cost and availability of 
recovered materials. Minimum content standards are unlikely to be 
effective given the regional variance in recovered materials content 
because minimum content levels that are appropriate for one region, may 
be excessively high or low for other regions. A recovered materials 
content range gives regional procuring agencies the flexibility to 
establish their own recovered materials content standards and to make 
them as high as possible, consistent with the statute, given local 
product availability and market conditions.
    EPA reviewed publicly-available information, information obtained 
from product manufacturers, and information provided by other 
government agencies regarding the percentages of recovered materials 
available in the items proposed for designation in CPG III. Based on 
this information, EPA established ranges of recovered materials content 
for the proposed designated items. In some instances, EPA recommends a 
specific content level (e.g., 100 percent recovered materials), rather 
than a range, because the item is universally available at that 
recommended level, the item contains 100% recovered materials, or that 
level is the maximum content currently used in that item.
    In establishing the ranges, EPA's objective was to ensure the 
availability of the item, while challenging manufacturers to increase 
their use of recovered materials. By recommending ranges, EPA believes 
that sufficient information will be provided to enable procuring 
agencies to set appropriate procurement specifications when purchasing 
the newly designated items.
    It is EPA's intention to provide procuring agencies with the best 
and most current information available to assist them in fulfilling 
their statutory obligations under RCRA section 6002. To do this, EPA 
will monitor the progress made by procuring agencies in purchasing 
designated items with the highest practical recovered materials content 
levels and will adjust the recommended content ranges as appropriate. 
EPA anticipates that the recommended ranges will narrow over time as 
other items become more available, although for technical reasons, many 
may never be available with 100 percent recovered materials content 
levels.
    Under RCRA section 6002(I), it is each procuring agency's 
responsibility to establish minimum content standards, while EPA 
provides recommendations regarding the levels of recovered materials in 
the designated items. To make it clear that EPA does not establish 
minimum content standards for other agencies, EPA refers to its 
recommendations as ``recovered materials content levels,'' consistent 
with RCRA section 6002(e) and the Executive Order.
    More information on EPA's methodology for recommending recovered 
materials content levels for designated items is contained in 
``Background Document for Proposed CPG III and Draft RMAN III,'' 
located in the RCRA public docket for this notice.

B. Definitions

    Today's draft RMAN III contains recommendations on the recovered 
materials content levels and postconsumer materials content levels at 
which the designated items are generally available. For several items 
being proposed for designation, this RMAN recommends two-part content 
levels--a postconsumer recovered materials content component and a 
total recovered materials component. In these instances, EPA found that 
both types of materials were being used to manufacture a product. 
Recommending only postconsumer content levels would fail to acknowledge 
the contribution to solid waste management made when manufacturers use, 
as feedstock, the byproducts of other manufacturing processes that 
would otherwise be destined for disposal as solid waste. The terms 
``recovered materials'' and ``postconsumer materials'' are defined in 
40 CFR 247.3. These definitions are repeated here as a reference for 
the convenience of the reader. The Agency is not proposing to change 
these definitions and will not consider any comments submitted on these 
terms.


[[Page 45582]]


    Postconsumer materials means a material or finished product that 
has served its intended end use and has been diverted or recovered 
from waste destined for disposal, having completed its life as a 
consumer item. Postconsumer material is part of the broader category 
of recovered materials.
    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 used within an original manufacturing process.

C. Request for Comments

    EPA requests comments, including additional supporting 
documentation and information, on the types of recovered materials 
identified in the item recommendations, the recommended recovered and 
postconsumer materials content levels, and other recommendations for 
purchasing the designated items containing recovered materials. EPA 
requests specific comments and information on the following issues:
     Whether any specifications exist or are appropriate for 
park benches or picnic tables made from steel or aluminum containing 
recovered materials;
     Whether any specifications exist or are appropriate for 
solid plastic binders containing recovered materials;
     Whether any specifications or standards exist for awards 
or plaques containing recovered materials; and
     Whether any specifications or standards exist for mats 
containing recovered materials.

III. Supporting Information and Accessing Internet

    The index of supporting materials for today's draft RMAN III is 
available in the RCRA Information Center (RIC) and on EPA's Internet 
web page. The address and telephone number of the RIC are provided in 
ADDRESSES above. The index and the following supporting materials are 
available on the Internet:
    ``Background Document for Proposed CPG III and Draft RMAN III,'' 
EPA530-R-98-003, U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency 
Response, April, 1998.
    Copies of the following supporting materials are available for 
viewing at the RIC only:
    ``Recovered Materials Product Research for the Comprehensive 
Procurement Guideline III,'' Draft Report, September 26, 1997.
    Follow these instructions to access information electronically:

WWW: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/procure.htm.
FTP: ftp.epa.gov
Login: anonymous
Password: your Internet address
Files are located in /pub/epaoswer.

    Dated: August 19, 1998.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.

Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III

    The following represents EPA's draft recommendations to procuring 
agencies for purchasing the items proposed today for designation in the 
Comprehensive Procurement Guideline III, in compliance with section 
6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These 
recommendations are intended to be used in conjunction with RMAN I (60 
FR 21386, May 1, 1995), the Paper Products RMAN (61 FR 26985, May 29, 
1996), and RMAN II (62 FR 60975, November 13, 1997). Refer to the 
previous RMANs or the Code of Federal Regulations at 40 CFR Part 247 
for definitions, general recommendations for affirmative procurement 
programs, and recommendations for previously designated items.

Contents

I. General Recommendations
II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items
Part C. Construction Products
    Section C-8. Nylon Carpet (Broadloom and Tiles) Made with 
Backing Containing Recovered Materials
    Section C-9. Carpet Cushion Made from Bonded Polyurethane, Jute, 
Synthetic Fibers, or Rubber Containing Recovered Materials
    Section C-10. Flowable Fill Containing Coal Fly Ash and/or 
Ferrous Foundry Sands
    Section C-11. Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces Containing Coal 
Fly Ash, Recovered Rubber, or Recovered Steel
Part E. Park and Recreation Products
    Section E-3. Park Benches and Picnic Tables Containing Recovered 
Steel, Aluminum, Plastic, or Concrete
    Section E-4. Playground Equipment Containing Recovered Plastic, 
Steel, or Aluminum
Part F. Landscaping Products
    Section F-2. Compost Made from Yard Trimmings and/or Food Waste 
(Revised)
    Section F-5. Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts 
Containing Recovered Materials
Part G. Non-Paper Office Products
    Section G-8. Solid Plastic Binders, Plastic Clipboards, Plastic 
File Folders, Plastic Clip Portfolios, and Plastic Presentation 
Folders Containing Recovered Plastic
Part H. Miscellaneous Products
    Section H-2. Sorbents Containing Recovered Materials for Use in 
Oil and Solvent Clean-ups and as Animal Bedding
    Section H-3. Industrial Drums Containing Recovered Steel, 
Plastic, and Paper
    Section H-4. Awards and Plaques Containing Recovered Glass, 
Wood, Paper, or Plastic
    Section H-5. Mats Containing Recovered Rubber and/or Plastic
    Section H-6. Manual-Grade Strapping Containing Recovered Steel 
and Plastic
    Section H-7. Signs Containing Recovered Plastic or Aluminum and 
Sign Posts/Supports Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel

I. General Recommendations

(See the May 1, 1995 RMAN I for EPA's general recommendations for 
definitions, specifications, and affirmative procurement programs.)

II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items

(See the May 1, 1995 RMAN I, the May 29, 1996 Paper Products RMAN, and 
the November 13, 1997 RMAN II for recommendations for previously-
designated items.)

Part C--Construction Products

    Note: Refer to Part F--Landscaping Products for additional items 
that can be used in construction applications.
Section C-8. Nylon Carpet (Broadloom and Tiles) Made With Backing 
Containing Recovered Materials
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table C-8, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing nylon 
broadloom carpet and carpet tiles made with backing containing 
recovered materials. EPA further recommends that Federal procuring 
agencies use GSA's carpet contract GS-00F-8453-A when purchasing nylon 
broadloom carpet or carpet tiles made with backing containing recovered 
materials.

 Table C-8.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Backing 
                  for Nylon Broadloom and Carpet Tiles                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                               recovered
                   Material                     Postconsumer   materials
                                                 content (%)    content 
                                                                  (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old carpets...................................       35-70          100 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing broadloom carpet or carpet tiles made from another 
material, such as wool. It simply requires that procuring agencies, 
when purchasing nylon broadloom carpet or carpet tiles, purchase 
these items made with backing containing recovered materials when 
they meet applicable specifications and performance requirements. 
Refer to Section

[[Page 45583]]

C-4 in RMAN I for EPA's recommendations for purchasing polyester 
carpet containing recovered materials.

    Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies review their 
carpet specifications and revise them as necessary to permit the use of 
backing containing recovered materials.
Section C-9. Carpet Cushion Made From Bonded Polyurethane, Jute, 
Synthetic Fibers, or Rubber Containing Recovered Materials
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table C-9, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing bonded 
polyurethane, jute, synthetic fiber, or rubber carpet cushion 
containing recovered materials.

  Table C-9.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Bonded 
     Polyurethane, Jute, Synthetic Fiber, and Rubber Carpet Cushion     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                       Post    recovered
            Product                   Material       consumer  materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonded polyurethane............  Old carpet cushion  15-50      15-50   
Jute...........................  Burlap............     40         40   
Synthetic fibers...............  Carpet fabrication  ........     100   
                                  scrap.                                
Rubber.........................  Tire rubber.......  60-90      60-90   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing another type of carpet cushion. They simply require 
that procuring agencies, when purchasing bonded polyurethane, jute, 
synthetic fiber, or rubber carpet cushions, purchase these items 
made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable 
specifications and performance requirements. Refer to Section C-4 in 
RMAN I for EPA's recommendations for purchasing polyester carpet 
containing recovered materials.

    Specifications: EPA is not aware of carpet cushion specifications 
unique to carpet cushions containing recovered materials. Therefore, 
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the standards set by the 
Carpet and Rug Institute and the Carpet Cushion Council when purchasing 
bonded polyurethane, jute, synthetic fiber, or rubber carpet cushion 
containing recovered materials.
Section C-10. Flowable Fill Containing Coal Fly Ash and/or Ferrous 
Foundry Sands
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use 
flowable fill containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands for 
backfill and other fill applications. EPA further recommends that 
procuring agencies include provisions in all construction contracts 
involving backfill or other fill applications, to allow for the use of 
flowable fill containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands, 
where appropriate.
    The specific percentage of coal fly ash or ferrous foundry sands 
used in flowable fill depend on the specifics of the job, including the 
type of coal fly ash used (Class C or Class F); the strength, set time, 
and flowability needed; and bleeding and shrinkage. Therefore, EPA is 
not recommending specific coal fly ash or ferrous foundry sands content 
levels for procuring agencies to use in establishing minimum content 
standards for flowable fill. EPA recommends that procuring agencies 
refer to the mix proportions in Tables C-10a and C-10b for typical 
proportions for high and low coal fly ash content mixes. EPA further 
recommends that procuring agencies refer to American Concrete Institute 
(ACI) report ACI 229R-94 for guidance on the percentages of coal fly 
ash that can be used in flowable fill mixtures.

   Table C-10a.--Typical Proportions for High Fly Ash Content Flowable  
                                  Fills                                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Mix  
                                                                  design
             Component                Range kg/m\3\ (lb/yd\3\)   kg/m\3\
                                                                   (lb/ 
                                                                  yd\3\)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fly ash (95%)......................  949 to 1542 (1600 to 2600)    1234 
                                                                  (2080)
Cement (5%)........................  47 to 74 (80 to 125)......      62 
                                                                   (104)
Added water........................  222 to 371 (375 to 625)...    *247 
                                                                   (416)
                                                                --------
    Total..........................  ..........................    1543 
                                                                  (2600)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Equal to 189 liters (50 gallons).                                     
Source: ``Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers,'' FHWA-SA-94-081, U.S.   
  Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, August  
  1995.                                                                 


Table C-10b.--Typical Proportions for Low Fly Ash Content Flowable Fills
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Range kg/m\3\ (lb/    Mix Design  kg/ 
           Component                    yd\3\)          m\3\ (lb/yd\3\) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fly ash (6% to 14%)...  119 to 297 (200 to            178 (300) 
                                 500).                                  
Cement........................  30 to 119 (50 to 200)          59 (100) 
Sand..........................  1483 to 1780 (2500 to        1542 (2600)
                                 3000).                                 
Added water...................  198 to 494 (333 to           *297 (500) 
                                 833).                                  
                                                      ------------------
    Total.....................  .....................        2076 (3500)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 High calcium fly ash is used in lower amounts than low calcium 
  fly ash.                                                              
* Equal to 227 liters (60 gallons).                                     
Source: ``Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers,'' FHWA-SA-94-081, U.S.   
  Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, August  
  1995.                                                                 


[[Page 45584]]

    Specifications: The following recommendations address mix designs, 
test methods, and performance standards.
     Mix designs. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use 
ACI report ACI229R-94, ``Controlled Low Strength Materials (CLSM)'' and 
``Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers,'' (FHWA-SA-94-081, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, August 
1995) in developing mix designs. Among other things, ACI229R-94 
addresses materials, including coal fly ash and foundry sands, mix 
design, and mixing, transporting, and placing. It also provides 
examples of mixture designs containing coal fly used by the states of 
Iowa, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio, and South 
Carolina. ``Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers'' addresses materials, 
strength, flowability, time of set, bleeding and shrinkage.
    A mix design for the use of foundry sand and coal fly ash in 
flowable fill was developed for Ford Motor Company. Procuring agencies 
can obtain a copy of this design by contacting the RCRA Hotline at 1-
800-424-9346. Table C-10c provides the recommended trial mixture from 
this specification.

 Table C-10c.--Materials Quantities for Flowable Fill Mixture Containing
                     Foundry Sands and Coal Fly Ash                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Quantity
                                                               per cubic
                          Component                               yard  
                                                                 (lbs.) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cement.......................................................         50
Coal fly ash.................................................        250
Foundry sand.................................................       2850
Water........................................................        500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Materials specifications and test methods. EPA recommends 
that procuring agencies use ACI229R-94 and the ASTM standards listed in 
Table C-10d when purchasing flowable fill or contracting for 
construction that involves backfilling or other fill applications.
    EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer to ASTM C 33-93, 
``Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates,'' for appropriate 
gradation requirements for ferrous foundry sands used as aggregates in 
flowable fills. Procuring agencies should note that ferrous foundry 
sands may need to be blended with natural sand or other fine aggregate 
to meet the C 33-93 gradation requirements.

  Table C-10d.--Recommended Test Methods for Flowable Fills (Controlled 
                         Low Strength Materials)                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      ASTM specification NO.                       Title                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 4832-95e1......................  Standard Test Method for Preparation 
                                    and Testing of Controlled Low       
                                    Strength Material (CLSM) Test       
                                    Cylinders.                          
D 5239-92........................  Standard Practice for Characterizing 
                                    Fly Ash for Use in Soil             
                                    Stabilization.                      
D 5971-96........................  Standard Practice for Sampling       
                                    Freshly Mixed Controlled Low        
                                    Strength Material.                  
D 6103-07........................  Standard Test Method for Flow        
                                    Consistency of Controlled Low       
                                    Strength Material.                  
D 6023-96........................  Standard Test Method for Unit Weight,
                                    Yield, Cement Content and Air       
                                    Content (Gravimetric) of Controlled 
                                    Low Strength Material (CLSM).       
D 5971-96........................  Standard Practice for Sampling       
                                    Freshly Mixed Controlled Low        
                                    Strength Material.                  
D 6024-96........................  Standard Test Method for Ball Drop on
                                    Controlled Low Strength Material    
                                    (CLSM) to Determine Suitability for 
                                    Load Application.                   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     State specifications. The following states have 
specifications for flowable fill containing coal fly ash: California, 
Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, 
Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington, West 
Virginia, and Wisconsin.
    The state of Ohio has a specification entitled ``Flowable Fill Made 
with Spent Foundry Sand,'' and the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, 
and Indiana are developing specifications for using foundry sands in 
flowable fill.
    If needed, procuring agencies can obtain state specifications from 
the respective state transportation departments and adapt them for use 
in their programs. ACI229R-94 includes mix designs from several of 
these states.
     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 flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous 
foundry sands.
     Performance standards. EPA recommends that procuring 
agencies review and, if necessary, revise performance standards 
relating to fill materials to insure that they do not arbitrarily 
restrict or preclude the use of flowable fills containing coal fly ash 
and/or ferrous foundry sands, either intentionally or inadvertently, 
unless the restriction is justified on a job-by-job basis: (1) to meet 
reasonable performance requirements for fill materials or (2) because 
the use of coal fly ash or ferrous foundry sands would be inappropriate 
for technical reasons. EPA recommends that this justification be 
documented based on specific performance information. Legitimate 
documentation of technical infeasibility can be for certain classes of 
applications, rather than on a job-by-job basis. 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 
scrutiny by interested parties and should have a review process 
available in the event of disagreements.
    Promotion program: EPA recommends that, as part of the promotion 
programs required by section 6002(I) of the Resource Conservation and 
Recovery Act, procuring agencies conduct demonstration programs for 
using flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry 
sands. EPA further recommends that procuring agencies educate 
construction contractors about the design, use, and performance of 
flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands.
Section C-11. Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces Containing Coal Fly Ash, 
Recovered Rubber, or Recovered Steel
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table C-11a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing concrete, 
rubber, and steel railroad grade crossing surfaces containing recovered 
materials.
    EPA further recommends that procuring agencies include provisions 
in all concrete railroad grade crossing construction contracts to allow 
for the use, as optional or alternate materials, of concrete containing 
coal fly ash, where appropriate.

[[Page 45585]]



    Table C-11a.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for    
       Concrete, Rubber, and Steel Railroad Grade Crossing Surface      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Post-     Total  
                                                        con-   recovered
        Surface material          Recovered material   sumer   materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concrete........................  Coal fly ash......  .......  15-20    
Rubber..........................  Tire rubber.......  .......  85-95    
Steel...........................  Steel.............    16-75  20-100   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notes: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing another type of railroad grade crossing surface, 
such as wood or asphalt. They simply require that procuring 
agencies, when purchasing concrete, rubber, or steel grade crossing 
surfaces, purchase these items made with recovered materials when 
these items meet applicable specifications and performance 
requirements. However, EPA recommends that procuring agencies 
consider using concrete, rubber, or steel grade crossing surfaces.

    The recommended recovered materials content levels for rubber 
railroad grade crossing surfaces are based on the weight of the raw 
materials, exclusive of any additives such as binders or additives.
    Coal fly ash can be used as an ingredient of concrete slabs, 
pavements, or controlled density fill product, depending on the type of 
concrete crossing system installed. Higher percentages of coal fly ash 
can be used in the concrete mixture; the higher percentages help to 
produce a more workable and durable product but can prolong the curing 
process.
    Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM 
standards listed in Table C-11b when purchasing rubber railroad grade 
crossing surfaces. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM 
and AASHTO standards listed in Table C-11c when purchasing concrete 
railroad grade crossing surfaces.

   Table C-11b.--Recommended Specifications for Rubber Railroad Grade   
                                Crossings                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      ASTM specification No.                       Title                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 2000-96........................  Rubber Products in Automotive        
                                    Applications.                       
D 2240-97........................  Rubber Property--Durometer Hardness. 
D 412-97.........................  Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic  
                                    Rubbers and Thermoplastic           
                                    Elastomers--Tension.                
D 297-93.........................  Rubber Products--Chemical Analysis.  
E 303-93.........................  Measuring Surface Frictional         
                                    Properties Using the British        
                                    Pendulum Tester.                    
D 1171-94........................  Rubber Deterioration--Surface Ozone  
                                    Cracking Outdoors or Chamber        
                                    (Triangular Specimens).             
D 573-88.........................  Deterioration in an Air Oven.        
D 395-89.........................  Rubber Property--Compression Set.    
D 257-93.........................  DC Resistance or Conductance of      
                                    Insulating Materials.               
D 2137-94........................  Rubber Property--Brittleness Point of
                                    Flexible Polymers and Coated        
                                    Fabrics.                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Table C-11c.--Recommended Specifications for Cement and Concrete    
                     Containing Recovered Materials                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Specification No.                          Title             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTM C 595............................  Standard Specification for      
                                         Blended Hydraulic Cements.     
ASTM C 150............................  Standard Specification for      
                                         Portland Cement.               
AASHTO M 240..........................  Blended Hydraulic Cements.      
ASTM C 618............................  Standard Specification for Fly  
                                         Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural
                                         Pozzolan for Use as a Mineral  
                                         Admixture in Portland Cement   
                                         Concrete.                      
ASTM C 311............................  Standard Methods of Sampling and
                                         Testing Fly Ash and Natural    
                                         Pozzolans for Use as a Mineral 
                                         Admixture in Portland Cement   
                                         Concrete.                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part E. Park and Recreation Products

Section E-3. Picnic Tables and Park Benches Containing Recovered Steel, 
Aluminum, or Plastic
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table E-3a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing aluminum, 
steel, or plastic park benches and picnic tables containing recovered 
materials.

 Table E-3a.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Picnic 
 Tables and Park Benches Containing Recovered Aluminum, Steel, Concrete 
                               or Plastic                               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                     Post-con- recovered
                      Material                         sumer   materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastics...........................................  90-100         100 
Plastic composites.................................  50-100         100 
Aluminum...........................................    25            25 
Concrete...........................................  ........     15-40 
Steel..............................................  16-25          100 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notes: ``Plastics'' includes both single and mixed plastic 
resins. Picnic tables and park benches made with recovered plastics 
may also contain other recovered materials such as sawdust, wood, or 
fiberglass. The percentage of these materials contained in the 
product would also count toward the recovered materials content 
level of the item.

    EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from 
purchasing park benches or picnic tables made from other materials. 
They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing park 
benches or picnic tables made from plastic, aluminum, concrete, or 
steel purchase these items made with recovered materials when these 
items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
    Specifications: EPA did not identify any specifications for park 
benches or picnic tables made from steel or aluminum and requests 
comments on whether any specifications exist or are appropriate for 
these materials when used in park benches and picnic tables.
    EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM specifications 
referenced in Table E-3b for park benches and picnic tables made from 
plastic lumber.

 Table E-3b.--Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Used In Park
                        Benches and Picnic Tables                       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASTM specification number                      Title                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 6108-97........................  Standard Test Method for Compressive 
                                    Properties of Plastic Lumber.       
D 6109-97........................  Standard Test Method for Flexural    
                                    Properties of Unreinforced and      
                                    Reinforced Plastic Lumber.          

[[Page 45586]]

                                                                        
D 6111-97........................  Standard Test Method for Bulk Density
                                    and Specific Gravity of Plastic     
                                    Lumber and Shapes by Displacement.  
D 6112-97........................  Standard Test Method for Compressive 
                                    and Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture
                                    of Plastic Lumber and Shapes.       
D 6117-97........................  Standard Test Method for Mechanical  
                                    Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and     
                                    Shapes.                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section E-4. Playground Equipment
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table E-4a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing playground 
equipment made from plastic lumber, steel, or aluminum containing 
recovered materials.

     Table E-4a.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for    
  Playground Equipment Containing Recovered Plastic, Steel, or Aluminum 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                     Post-con- recovered
                      Material                         sumer   materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastics...........................................  90-100      100    
Plastic Composites.................................  50-75     95-100   
Steel..............................................  25-100    25-100   
Aluminum...........................................    25         25    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notes: ``Plastics'' includes both single and mixed plastic 
resins. Playground equipment made with recovered plastics may also 
contain other recovered materials such as wood or fiberglass. The 
percentage of these materials contained in the product would also 
count toward the recovered materials content level of the item.

    EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from 
purchasing playground equipment made from other materials. They simply 
require that procuring agencies, when purchasing playground equipment 
made from plastic, aluminum, or steel purchase these items made with 
recovered materials when the item meets applicable specifications and 
performance requirements.
    Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the 
specifications in Table E-4b when procuring playground equipment. 
Playground equipment may also be subject to state and local codes and 
standards as well as Federal child safety laws. EPA also recommends 
that procuring agencies use the ASTM specifications referenced in Table 
E-4c for playground equipment made from plastic lumber.

 Table E-4b.--Recommended Safety Specifications for Playground Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Specification                            Title             
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer Product Safety Commission       Handbook for Public Playground 
 (CPSC) Publication No. 325.              Safety.                       
ASTM F-1487-95.........................  Safety Performance             
                                          Specification for Playground  
                                          Equipment for Public Use.     
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Table E-4c.--Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Used in   
                          Playground Equipment                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ASTM specification number                      Title                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 6108-97....................  Standard Test Method for Compressive     
                                Properties of Plastic Lumber.           
D 6109-97....................  Standard Test Method for Flexural        
                                Properties of Unreinforced and          
                                Reinforced Plastic Lumber.              
D 6111-97....................  Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and
                                Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and  
                                Shapes by Displacement.                 
D 6112-97....................  Standard Test Method for Compressive and 
                                Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of     
                                Plastic Lumber and Shapes.              
D 6117-97....................  Standard Test Method for Mechanical      
                                Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and Shapes. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part F. Landscaping Products

Section F-2. Compost Made From Yard Trimmings and/or Food Waste 
(Revised)
    Note: Following are EPA's revised recommendations for purchasing 
compost. The revisions add recommendations for purchasing compost 
made from food waste to EPA's 1995 recommendations for purchasing 
yard trimmings compost. When EPA issues final recommendations for 
purchasing composts made from yard trimmings and/or food waste, 
procuring agencies should substitute them for the recommendations 
found in Section F-2 of the 1995 RMAN I.

    Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies purchase 
or use compost made from yard trimmings, leaves, grass clippings and/or 
food wastes 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, grass clippings, and/or food 
wastes, 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 relating to landscaping, 
soil amendments, erosion control, or soil reclamation 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 U.S. Department of Transportation's ``Standard Specifications 
for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects 
1996,'' specifies compost as one of the materials suitable for use in 
roadside revegetation projects associated with road construction. These 
standards do not preclude the use of compost made from yard trimmings, 
leaves, grass, clippings, and/or food waste.
    The State of Maine has developed quality standards for compost 
products

[[Page 45587]]

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.
    The Composting Council is helping to define and develop industry 
wide standards for composts made from various combinations of 
materials, including yard trimmings, leaves, grass clippings, and food 
wastes. The Composting Council publishes these standards in an 
operating guide for composting facilities entitled, ``Test Methods for 
Examination of Composting and Compost.'' The guide also provides 
standards for the suitability of different types of composts made for 
different applications, depending on the compost mix.
Section F-5. Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts Containing 
Recovered Materials
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table F-5a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic 
lumber landscaping timbers and posts containing recovered materials.

 Table F-5a.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic
                  Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                      Post-    recovered
                     Material                       consumer-  materials
                                                     content    content 
                                                       (%)        (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HDPE..............................................  25-100     75-100   
Mixed Plastics/Sawdust............................     50        100    
HDPE/Fiberglass...................................     75         95    
Other mixed resins................................  50-100     95-100   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing wooden landscaping timbers and posts. They simply 
require that procuring agencies, when purchasing plastic landscaping 
timbers and posts purchase these items made with recovered materials 
when the items meet applicable specifications and performance 
requirements.

    Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM 
specifications referenced in Table F-5b for plastic lumber landscaping 
timbers and posts.

 Table F-5b.--Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Landscaping 
                            Timbers and Posts                           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      ASTM specification No.                       Title                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 6108-97........................  Standard Test Method for Compressive 
                                    Properties of Plastic Lumber.       
D 6109-97........................  Standard Test Method for Flexural    
                                    Properties of Unreinforced and      
                                    Reinforced Plastic Lumber.          
D 6111-97........................  Standard Test Method for Bulk Density
                                    and Specific Gravity of Plastic     
                                    Lumber and Shapes by Displacement.  
D 6112-97........................  Standard Test Method for Compressive 
                                    and Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture
                                    of Plastic Lumber and Shapes.       
D 6117-97........................  Standard Test Method for Mechanical  
                                    Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and     
                                    Shapes.                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part G. Non-Paper Office Products

Section G-8. Solid Plastic Binders, Plastic Clipboards, Plastic File 
Folders, Plastic Clip Portfolios, and Plastic Presentation Folders 
Containing Recovered Plastic
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table G-8, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing solid plastic 
binders, plastic clipboards, plastic file folders, plastic clip 
portfolios, and plastic presentation folders containing recovered 
materials.

 Table G-8.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Solid Plastic Binders, Clipboards, File Folders,
                                    Clip Portfolios, and Presentation Folders                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Total   
                                                                                       Postconsumer   recovered 
                    Product                                    Material                 content (%)   materials 
                                                                                                     content (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solid plastic binders.........................  HDPE.................................            90           90
                                                PE...................................         30-50        30-50
                                                PET..................................           100          100
                                                Misc. Plastics.......................            80           80
Plastic clipboards............................  HDPE.................................            90           90
                                                PS...................................            50           50
                                                Misc. Plastics.......................            15        15-80
Plastic file folders..........................  HDPE.................................            90           90
Plastic clip portfolios.......................  HDPE.................................            90           90
Plastic presentation folders..................  HDPE.................................            90           90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing binders, clipboards, file folders, clip portfolios, 
or presentation folders made from another material, such as paper. 
They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing these 
items made from solid plastic, purchase them made with recovered 
plastics when these items meet applicable specifications and 
performance requirements. For EPA's recommendations for purchasing 
pressboard binders and paper file folders containing recovered 
materials, see table A-1c in the Paper Products RMAN (61 FR 26986, 
May 29, 1996). See Table G-3 in RMAN I for EPA's recommendations for 
purchasing plastic-covered binders containing recovered materials.

    Specifications: EPA did not identify any specifications for solid 
plastic

[[Page 45588]]

binders, clipboards, file folders, clip portfolios, and presentation 
folders and requests comments on whether any specifications exist or 
are appropriate for these items containing recovered plastic.

Part H. Miscellaneous Products

Section H-2. Sorbents
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-2a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing sorbent 
materials for use in oil and solvent clean-ups and for use as animal 
bedding.

Table H-2a.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Sorbents
    Used in Oil and Solvents Clean-ups and for Use as Animal Bedding    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                     Post-con- recovered
                      Material                         sumer   materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper..............................................  90-100      100    
Textiles...........................................  95-100    95-100   
Plastics...........................................  ........  25-100   
Wood...............................................  ........    100    
Other Organics/Multi-Materials.....................  ........    100    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notes: ``Wood'' includes materials such as sawdust and lumber 
mill trimmings. Examples of other organics include, but are not 
limited to, peanut hulls and corn stover. An example of multi-
material sorbents would include, but not be limited to, a polymer 
and cellulose fiber combination.

    EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from 
purchasing sorbents made from other materials. They simply require that 
procuring agencies, when purchasing sorbents made from paper, wood, 
textiles, plastics, or other organic materials, purchase them made with 
recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and 
performance requirements.
    Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that 
there is no language in their specifications for sorbents that would 
preclude or discourage the use of products containing recovered 
materials.
    EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM specifications 
in Table H-2b when procuring sorbents for use on oil and solvent clean-
ups.

     Table H-2b.--ASTM Specifications for Absorbents and Adsorbents     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     ASTM specification No.                        Title                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
F 716-81........................  Standard Method of Testing Sorbent    
                                   Performance of Adsorbents.           
F 716-82........................  Standard Method of Testing Sorbent    
                                   Performance of Absorbents.           
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section H-3. Industrial Drums Containing Recovered Steel, Plastic, and 
Paper
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-3, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing steel, 
plastic, or fiber industrial drums containing recovered materials. EPA 
further recommends that procuring agencies reuse drums, purchase or use 
reconditioned drums, or procure drum reconditioning services, whenever 
feasible.

  Table H-3.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Steel, 
                   Plastic, and Fiber Industrial Drums                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Post      Total  
                                                       con-    recovered
            Product                   Material         sumer   materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steel drums....................  Steel.............    16      20-30    
Plastic drums..................  HDPE..............  30-100    30-100   
Fiber drums....................  Paper.............   100        100    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing another type of industrial drum. It simply requires 
that procuring agencies, when purchasing steel, plastic, or fiber 
industrial drums, purchase these items made with recovered materials 
when these items meet applicable specifications and performance 
requirements.

    Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications unique to 
industrial drums containing recovered materials. EPA notes that 
industrial drums containing recovered materials can meet applicable 
U.S. Department of Transportation specifications for packaging 
hazardous materials. Additionally, the National Motor Freight Traffic 
Association specifications for containers used to transport goods via 
truck do not prohibit the use of industrial drums containing recovered 
materials.
Section H-4. Awards and Plaques
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-4, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing awards and 
plaques containing recovered materials.

  Table H-4.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Awards 
               and Plaques Containing Recovered Materials               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                  content (%)   content 
                                                                  (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glass..........................................  75-100          100    
Wood...........................................  ............    100    
Paper..........................................  40-100        40-100   
Plastic and Plastic/Wood Composite.............  50-100        95-100   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing awards or plaques made from other materials. They 
simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing awards or 
plaques made from paper, wood, glass, or plastics/plastic 
composites, purchase them made with recovered materials when these 
items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.

    Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications or standards for 
awards or plaques containing recovered materials and requests comments 
on whether any applicable specifications or standards have been 
developed.
Section H-5. Mats
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-5, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing mats 
containing recovered materials.

   Table H-5.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Mats  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                 content  (%)   content 
                                                                  (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rubber.........................................      75-100    85-100   
Plastic........................................      10-100      100    
Rubber/Plastic Composite.......................         100      100    
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 45589]]

    Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing mats made from other materials. They simply require 
that procuring agencies, when purchasing mats made from rubber and/
or plastic, purchase them made with recovered materials when these 
items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.

    Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications or standards for 
mats containing recovered materials and requests comments on whether 
any applicable specifications or standards have been developed. EPA is 
aware of one ASTM specification for wrestling mats, but does not 
believe that this type of mat is purchased in appreciable quantities by 
procuring agencies.
Section H-6. Manual-Grade Strapping Containing Recovered Steel and 
Plastic
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-6a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing manual-grade 
strapping containing recovered materials.

 Table H-6A.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Manual-
           Grade Polyester, Polypropylene, and Steel Strapping          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total  
                                                               recovered
           Product                 Material      Postconsumer  materials
                                                  content (%)   content 
                                                                  (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polyester strapping..........  PET.............       50-85    50-85    
Polypropylene strapping......  PP..............                10-40    
Steel strapping..............  Steel...........       10-15    25-100   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency 
from purchasing another type of strapping, such as nylon. They 
simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing polyester, 
polypropylene, or steel manual-grade strapping, purchase these items 
made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable 
specifications and performance requirements.

    Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications unique to 
strapping containing recovered materials. EPA notes that strapping 
containing recovered materials can meet the ASTM strapping 
specifications and selection guide listed in Table H-6b.

  Table H-6b.--Recommended ASTM Specifications and Guide for Strapping  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ASTM specification/guide No.                    Title               
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTM D 3953........................  Standard Specification for         
                                      Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals.  
ASTM D 3950........................  Standard Specification for         
                                      Strapping, Nonmetallic (and       
                                      Joining Methods).                 
ASTM D 4675........................  Standard Guide for Selection and   
                                      Use of Flat Strapping Materials.  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section H-7. Signage
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-7, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic signs 
for non-road applications (e.g., building signs, trail signs) and 
aluminum signs for roadway or non-road applications containing 
recovered materials. EPA also recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table H-7, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing sign supports 
and posts containing recovered plastic or steel.

  Table H-7.--Recommended Recov-ered Materials Content Levels for Signs 
    Containing Recovered Plastic or Aluminum and Sign Posts/Supports    
                  Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Post      Total  
                                                       con-    recovered
                   Item/material                       sumer   materials
                                                      content   content 
                                                        (%)       (%)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastic signs......................................  80-100    80-100   
Aluminum signs.....................................    25         25    
Plastic sign posts/supports........................  80-100    80-100   
Steel sign posts/supports..........................  25-100    25-100   
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notes: Plastic signs and sign posts are recommended for nonroad 
applications only such as, but not limited to, trailway signs in 
parks and directional/informational signs in buildings.

    EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from 
purchasing signs or sign posts made from other materials. They simply 
require that procuring agencies, when purchasing signs made from 
plastic or aluminum or sign posts made from plastic or steel, purchase 
them made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable 
specifications and performance requirements.
    Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications for non-road 
signs containing recovered materials. Standard specifications for road 
sign size, lettering, color, strength, and performance requirements can 
be found in the ``Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,'' which is 
published by the Federal Highway Administration.

[FR Doc. 98-22794 Filed 8-25-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P