United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA530-K-95-006
June 1995
Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5305W)
SEPA Recycling Guide
For Native American
Nations
Collection
Purchase
Manufacture
Recycled/Recyclable - Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks
on 100% Recycled Paper (50% Postconsumer)
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This document was developed by U.S. EPA Region 9, Hazardous Waste
Management Division, Solid Waste Section. Mention of trade names or
commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation
for use.
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Why Recycle?
Recycling is critical to our efforts to conserve the earth's
natural resources. Recycling also reduces litter and the costs
of solid waste disposal.
This Acoma Pueblo pot tells
an ancient story of recycling.
Pueblo Indian women crafted
clay pots that lasted for years
of use. When the pots eventually
broke, they were not thrown
into a dump. The broken pots
were crushed down to a fine
clay powder. The powder was then soaked to soften it to
a workable clay consistency. This recovered clay was used
to make strong and beautiful new pots.
Today, we use many materials once, and then consider
them waste. Like broken pots, these materials are actually
precious resources. We are all learning that we cannot
afford to continue throwing away resources in our garbage
cans. Our task now is to develop again the age-old art of
recycling.
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Recycling is defined as the collecting, manufacturing, and selling/buying of
new products made from what once was thought of as waste. The recycling
symbol of chasing arrows on the cover represents the three components
necessary to make a difference through recycling. This booklet describes
several ways to participate in each facet of recycling: 1) collection, 2)
manufacture, and 3) purchase. Everyone has a vital role to play.
Setting up a Recycling Program
Before setting up a recycling program, a careful planning process should
address these questions:
• What type of program best suits the community?
• What is the quantity and composition of recyclables in the com-
munity's waste stream?
• What will the program cost, and how can it be funded?
• Where can the collected recyclables be taken?
• Who will staff the recycling program?
• How can participation be encouraged?
• What experience can other recycling programs share?
There are three broad types of recycling programs: dropoff centers, buy-back
centers, and curbside collection.
Dropoff recycling centers are set up so that individuals can deliver their
recyclables to a designated collection site. Containers need to be well labeled
and in a convenient location. Grocery stores or schools are often willing to
participate by providing a convenient dropoff area in their parking lots.
Regularly scheduled pickup and cleaning will be needed.
Buy-back recycling centers purchase recyclables, such as aluminum cans, glass,
and other materials. They are commonly located at sites such as store
parking lots for convenience.
Curbside recycling programs collect recyclables from a home or business that
has agreed to place the recyclables into a designated recycling container.
These programs often operate in concert with garbage collection.
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Materials To Collect
Many items in the waste stream can
technically be recycled. Market demand
varies widely for specific recyclables
and may make some materials
uneconomical to recycle. Materials
typically collected include aluminum,
cardboard, office paper, glass
containers, steel cans, newsprint,
yard trimmings, and certain
types of plastics. Here are several
factors to consider when determining
which materials to collect:
Markets—Where will the recyclables go after collection? A reliable buyer
must be available. Examples of possible buyers include recycling centers,
processors, scrap yards, and solid waste haulers offering recycling services.
Buyers may require a reliable minimum amount of material to make a
contract profitable. They also typically require that the recyclables they
purchase be delivered in a certain form (baled, crushed, color-sorted). These
factors will influence the design of a recycling collection program.
The best way to ensure a constant market and reliable base price for your
recyclable materials may be to enter into a cooperative marketing
association with other tribes, towns, or counties nearby. As a member of a
cooperative, you will be able to deliver larger quantities of materials to the
market. Buyers usually prefer to sign contracts that guarantee larger
supplies. A carefully written agreement and experienced management will
help the cooperative succeed.
Quantity and Composition of Waste Stream—Over one-third of the waste
in landfills is paper. Diverting paper alone (including newspaper and
cardboard) for recycling can help extend landfill life and/or reduce disposal
costs. Metals (including aluminum and steel cans) and glass comprise
another 20 percent of solid waste.
Price—Prices for recyclables vary. Aluminum, white ledger paper (office
paper), computer paper, and cardboard are higher priced items than plastics
or low-grade papers. Costs such as transportation to market will affect prices
paid for recyclables.
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Location, Containers, and Equipment
Recycling programs require temporary or permanent collection and storage
sites. Keep in mind the following points when selecting a site for the
recycling program:
Siting—A site that is centrally located within a community will encourage
participation. To easily transport recyclables to market, look for a site
accessible to highways or railroads. Zoning or land use approval may be
needed for the collection site.
Structures/Features—The facility should include an enclosed area to protect
recyclables, workers, and equipment from weather. (Aluminum, steel cans,
and glass containers may be stored outside.) Renovating an existing building
can save money. The facility should be designed for loading and unloading
recyclables, including baled materials. A concrete pad reduces dust and mud.
The site should be fenced to contain litter and provide security.
Containers—A wide variety of containers are available for every purpose:
office paper collection, and curbside pickup or dropoff. When choosing
containers for your program, keep in mind that they must be durable and
easy to use, and should be designed to prevent contamination or mixing of
different materials. If available, purchase containers that are made from
recycled materials.
Equipment—A recycling center typically requires a baler and forklift at a
minimum, although very small operations may not need them. A glass
crusher helps density glass containers for lower transportation costs to
market. The equipment must be able to process materials appropriately for
the buyer, who will set specifications for the materials you will deliver.
Staffing the Program
Getting a recycling program off the ground requires planning and
coordination. Whether the program is run by the tribal government, a local
business, or a nonprofit organization, a well-trained staff is essential. The
recycling program team should include an individual with operations
management experience. Enthusiastic volunteer groups, guided by trained
staff, can be invaluable for educational efforts and/or assistance during
collection.
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Educating the Community
Instilling new habits takes time. The success of a recycling program will
depend on early community involvement, followed by continuing educational
efforts. Start by determining residents' interest in recycling and their
concerns about how the recycling program will work. Be responsive to their
input and provide clear information. Make the recycling program a source
of community pride and involvement.
One of the best ways to ensure strong participation in the program is to
introduce recycling to schools first. When children leam about recycling at
school, they serve as recycling ambassadors, sharing what they have learned
with their families and others in the community.
More Ways To Reduce Waste
Composting—Composting is a way of recycling organic materials, such as
yard clippings and food scraps. Through controlled decomposition, bacteria
can transform the materials into a nutrient-rich soil supplement. The
temperature of the compost must be raised long enough to kill weed seeds
and pathogens. To decompose effectively, organic matter also needs aeration
and time to mature.
There are two ways to set up a tribal composting program, either of which
would be a great addition to community recycling efforts. The first is to
promote residential backyard composting. Under this type of program,
composting demonstrations would be provided to the public. Composting
bins could be offered as an encouragement to each household to compost
its organic materials. Individuals will have less trash to dispose of and will
gain a compost that improves the soil of their gardens.
The second type of program is to establish a community composting facility.
Yard trimmings from residents would be collected or dropped off at the site.
Factors to consider in selecting a site include convenience, odors, visual
impact, dust, and noise. Well-trained staff will be needed to properly run the
facility.
The compost produced can be used for landscaping projects in the
community. If composition and nutrient content are controlled and
documented, the compost could be sold commercially to farms, nurseries, or
greenhouses. Compost that is contaminated with weed seeds, trash, or toxic
compounds can be harmful to the soil, so monitoring is crucial.
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Waste Exchanges—A waste exchange is a computer network or catalog that
redirects unwanted materials to potential users. Most materials listed are
used or excess manufacturing or construction materials. Organizations and
individuals can usually list materials offered or wanted at no cost. These
exchanges reduce disposal costs and allow others access to free or
inexpensive materials. Many states and cities have established waste
exchanges.
Another type of waste exchange is a local reuse center where individuals can
donate excess or used materials that can then be used by schools, senior
centers, or other nonprofit agencies. Donating or selling used items to
secondhand stores is also a great way to reduce waste.
Creating Recycling Jobs
Recycling can provide opportunities to protect your environment while also
creating economic development. When recyclables are collected out of the
waste stream, they must be cleaned, processed, and made into new products.
Each step in the process adds economic value to the materials. Materials
recovery facilities (MRFs) and composting facilities process materials for
use in manufacturing or agriculture. These processors can create non-
manufacturing jobs that do not require highly technical skills.
Recycling processors and manufacturers need not be large factories or
multimillion-dollar businesses. In fact, many small businesses have found a
niche in the marketplace and are thriving. These businesses rely on a work
force that may include manufacturing jobs, maintenance workers, construc-
tion workers, planners, and engineers. By creating businesses that keep that
value close to the tribe, one can ensure markets for a tribal recycling
program and create jobs at the same time. Following are suggested steps to
determine what types of recycling businesses are right for specific
circumstances, as well as examples of small recycling businesses.
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Startup Steps
1. Educate and Involve the Community
Take advantage of opportunities to inform tribal leaders, the public, business
leaders, and the media about the benefits of creating local end uses
(manufacturing industries) for recyclables. Examples:
• General or business council meetings
• Economic development studies or planning efforts
• Public meetings concerning planning and economic development
• Community and school gatherings
2. Define the "Wasteshed" or Market Development Area
A reliable supply of recovered materials is essential for recycling manufac-
turing businesses. Recycling collection programs are sources of the necessary
"raw materials." Factors influencing the supply of materials include:
• Population density
• Regional economic conditions
• Quantity/Quality of recyclable materials
• Proximity of competing markets
3. Conduct a Supply Analysis
Data on amounts and types of recoverable wastes in the area are important.
For example, what volume of cardboard, aluminum, steel cans, glass, office
paper, or newsprint is generated locally? An estimate may be obtained by
conducting a waste stream analysis or by examining statistics from com-
munities with similar population densities and economic characteristics.
4. Survey Local Business and Industry for Potential End-Uses
The goal of a local survey is to identify types of products manufactured in
the area, raw materials currently used, types of packaging and modes of
transportation used to ship local products, and costs of equipment
modifications to allow substitution of recyclable materials. Tribal economic
development offices or community colleges may be able to assist with
development of a survey.
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5. Set Criteria for Selecting a Product or Production Process
What types of manufacturing processes are feasible for the area? Establish
basic criteria to help select business ventures for more detailed research and
development. Examine the following aspects of potential manufacturing
processes to ensure a good fit with your community:
• Startup capital requirements
• Water and energy needs
• Distance to markets
• Human resources requirements
• Labor pool availability and training needs
• Types and amounts of manufacturing wastes and access to disposal
• Regulatory and permitting issues
• Local land use factors
6. Research Your Business Venture
After selecting the most promising type(s) of production process, the focus
shifts to determining a specific product(s) to manufacture. This research will
aid in the preparation of a business plan, and should include:
• Information on markets, equipment, patents, and labor standards
• Market analysis to identify market niche and competitors
• Interviews with existing manufacturers
• Interviews with potential customers to determine preferences
7. Prepare a Business Plan
A business plan is the blueprint for building a business and is required by
investors, funding agencies, and financial institutions. The information
gathered for Steps 5 and 6 form the basis for the business plan.
8. Obtain Financing and Support for the Business Venture
Explore all private and federal, state, and local government sources for
financing, such as:
• Small Business Administration loan programs.
• Bureau of Indian Affairs economic development grants or loans.
• Community development block grants.
• Special financing programs for rural and women- and minority-owned
businesses.
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Industrial development bonds.
Revolving loan funds.
Partnerships with existing industries.
Sample Recycling Manufacturing Businesses
A variety of companies manufacture recycled products. Here are some
examples of small to medium-sized companies:
Cascade Forest Products, Arcata, CA—The company uses wood waste from
area sawmills to produce packaged and bulk soil products. Cascade employs
30 people and is exploring opportunities to include residential yard
materials.
Michelson Packaging Company, Yakima, WA—The company manufactures
packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables from recycled newsprint. Over
400,000 produce pads are made per day, and Michelson employs between 18
and 27 people full-time.
Rubber Products, Inc., Tampa, FL—Using tire buffing dust and scrap
rubber, the company produces puncture-resistant floor tiles for golf
clubhouses, skating rinks, and athletic weight rooms. Rubber Products
employs 30 people full-time and produces 1,000 tiles per day.
Wisconsin Plastic Drain Tile, Madison, WI—The company manufactures
pipe from plastic bottles. Employing 17 people, Wisconsin Plastic Drain Tile
produces 15 tons of pipe per day for the construction industry.
Sample businesses and startup steps reprinted by permission of Gainer &
Associates, 1630 27th Street, Arcata, CA 95521.
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Buying Recycled Closes the Recycling Loop
Buying recycled sends a message to industry that recycled products are in
demand, helping to ensure that recyclable materials will not be wasted.
When recyclable materials become the raw materials of industry, they re-
duce the need for mineral extraction and timber harvesting. Less water and
energy are typically required to make products from existing (recovered)
materials than from virgin materials.
When you buy recycled products, you save vital natural resources and help
stimulate economic growth through environmentally preferable technolo-
gies. Each individual purchase contributes to resource conservation, as well
as to stable markets for the recyclables many communities collect. The
following information on buying recycled products assists tribal governments,
organizations, and individuals in making a commitment to buy recycled.
Recycled Products Are Everywhere
Many of the products we use daily are made from recycled materials. Cereal
boxes, soda bottles, paint, tissue paper and napkins, copier paper, and floor
coverings are examples of products that can be made from recycled
materials. Tf you purchase these items, you may already be buying recycled.
Recycled materials also turn up in products that are very different from their
original uses, such as carpet made from plastic soda bottles and asphalt that
incorporates recycled glass.
Setting up a Buy-Recycled Program
Tribal governments, which purchase everything from office paper to
construction materials, can set a positive example for their members by
instituting a buy-recycled program. An easy first step is to try to "think
recycled" whenever making a purchase. Ask office supply stores or catalogs
to carry recycled products if they do not already. Look for brands that
minimize packaging or that can be re-used. For tribes interested in a formal
buy-recycled program, here are the key elements:
1. Review Specifications
Tribal purchasing officials can review product and service specifications or
policies to identify and eliminate any provisions that require the use of virgin
products, or that exclude the use of recycled products.
4
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2. Establish Content Standards
Many government agencies have established minimum recycled content
standards that apply to their own purchases of certain goods and materials.
Guidelines may vary on the minimum percentage of recycled materials
required in specific products. For example, President Clinton has issued an
Executive Order requiring that paper purchased by federal agencies contain
a minimum of 20 percent postconsumer recycled content.
3. Give Preference to Recycled Products
With current technologies and scales of production, some recycled products
cost more than their nonrecycled competitors. Eventually, prices for all
recycled products are expected to be competitive with products made from
virgin materials. Until then, recycling can be supported with price
preferences for recycled products. A typical price preference might allow for
the purchase of recycled products at 5 to 10 percent higher than the price
of comparable virgin products. Another good way to support recycling is to
require printers and contractors to submit bids, proposals, and reports on
recycled paper, printed on both sides, with removable bindings or staples.
Definitions
Here is a guide to common recycling terms. Some of these terms appear on
product labeling to denote recycled content.
Minimum Content Standard — Purchasing standard specifying the percent-
age of recycled material that purchased products must contain.
Postconsumer — Indicates that a product is made from materials that were
used by the consumer and discarded for recycling.
Preconsumer/Postindustrial — Indicates that a product is manufactured
from industrial waste materials.
Recovered Material — Materials diverted from municipal solid waste; does
not include byproducts from original manufacturing processes.
Recyclable — This does not denote a product made from recycled materials.
It simply means that the package or product may be recyclable.
Recycled — Indicates that a product is manufactured with recovered materials
(not necessarily postconsumer).
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RCRA Guidelines — Guidelines for federal purchasing outlined in the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. The guidelines specify
minimum content standards for paper and other products. While not
mandatory, the RCRA guidelines may be useful tools in the development of
a buy-recycled program.
Virgin Material — Indicates that a product is manufactured from natural
resources such as trees, petroleum, minerals, or sand. These products
contain no recovered materials.
NOTE: These terms can be used in a misleading manner. Products labeled
"recycled" may not contain any postconsumer content. The terms often refer
to materials used in packaging rather than in the actual product.
Finding Help: Additional Resources
Administration for Native Americans (ANA) (202) 690-7776 — ANA provides
competitive grants to support social and economic development projects.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (202) 208-5326 — BIA's Economic Develop-
ment Office provides grants, loans, and small business development
assistance.
Buy Recycled Business Alliance (202) 625-6406 — A service of the National
Recycling Coalition. Member services include technical assistance and peer
counseling on buying recycled. Any organization may join at no cost.
Composting Council (703) 739-2401 — A national association that promotes
composting and serves as an information clearinghouse. The Council can
provide information on setting up community composting programs.
Cooperative Marketing Network (402) 444-4188 — The Network can provide
contacts at regional cooperative marketing associations across the country.
They publish a free newsletter with information on the cooperative
marketing of recyclables.
Foundations — Numerous private foundations award grants for a variety of
community development projects. The Foundation Center, (212) 620-4230,
provides free access to foundation directories at many public libraries.
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Indian Health Service (IHS) — The IHS Environmental Health Program is
available to provide technical assistance in setting up recycling programs.
Contact your local IHS office.
Intel-Tribal Councils — If your tribe is part of an InterTribal Council, the
Council may be able to provide you with information on establishing a
recycling program or forming linkages with other interested tribes.
Keep America Beautiful (203) 323-8987 — A national nonprofit organization
with extensive recycling educational materials available.
National Recycling Coalition (NRC) (202) 6256406 — NRC is a nonprofit
alliance of recycling organizations that provides technical education,
increases public awareness, and carries out legislative advocacy.
National Development Council (NDC) (212) 682-1106 — NDC is a private
nonprofit corporation that assists small businesses in packaging loan
applications.
Recycled Product Guide (800) 267-0707 — Over 3,500 certified recycled
product listings are featured in the guide, including manufacturers,
distributors, and retailers. Annual subscription rates vary.
RecycleLine (800) 233-9923 — A national on-line database providing informa-
tion on recycled products. Rates vary.
Rural Development Administration/Farmers Home Administration —
RDA/FmHA administers three programs for rural low-income communities
that may assist in setting up collection programs or recycling enterprises:
• Community Facilities Program (202) 720-1500
• Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program (202) 720-1500
• Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (202) 690-4100
Small Business Administration (SBA) (800) 827-5722 — SBA offers business
development assistance and guarantees small business loans from private
lenders. SBA's Small Business Answer Desk provides information on
training and other services offered.
State Recycling Offices — Most states have a recycling office or hotline
located in their environmental department. Check with individual states on
the types of assistance they could offer in establishing recycling programs.
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State Departments of Commerce — All states have a commerce or economic
development office, which may administer small business loan programs.
Check with individual states on the types of assistance they could offer in
establishing recycled product enterprises.
Tribal Economic Development Offices — Some tribes may be able to provide
business development assistance to their members.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (202) 708-1422 —
HUD's Indian Program administers the Community Development Block
Grant Program, which provides funds for community infrastructure projects.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Contact the Solid Waste Program
of your EPA regional office, listed on the next two pages. The staff can
provide general information on setting up recycling programs, as well as
educational materials for use in the community.
You can also call EPA's RCRA Hotline for more information or to order
educational materials. Callers within the Washington Metropolitan Area
must dial (703) 412-9810 or TDD (703) 412-3323 (hearing impaired). Long-
distance callers may call toll-free, (800) 424-9346 or TDD (800) 553-7672.
The RCRA Hotline is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.,
Eastern Standard Time.
Copies of documents applicable to rulemakings may be obtained by writing:
RCRA Information Center (RIC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Office of Solid Waste (5305W), 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460.
Waste Haulers, Recycling Processors, and/or Scrap Yards — Check the
yellow pages of area phone books for companies that buy recyclable
materials.
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EPA Regional Contacts
U.S. EPA Region 1
Waste Management Division
(HEE-CAN 6)
JFK Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3927
U.S. EPA Region 2
Air & Waste Management
Division (2AWM-SW)
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-3384
U.S. EPA Region 3
RCRA Solid Waste Program
(3HW53)
841 Chestnut Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-7936
U.S. EPA Region 4
Waste Management Division
(4WD-RCRA-FF)
345 Courtland Street, NE.
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 347-2091
U.S. EPA Region 5
Waste Management Division
(H-7J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 886-7599
U.S. EPA Region 6
RCRA Programs Branch
First Interstate Bank Tower
1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200
TX 75202
(214) 655-6752
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U.S. EPA Region 7
Waste Management Division
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7817
U.S. EPA Region 8
Hazardous Waste Management
Branch (HWM-WM)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 293-1818
U.S. EPA Region 9
Hazardous Waste Management
Division (H-3-1)
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 744-2074
U.S. EPA Region 10
Hazardous Waste Division
(HW-114)
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 553-6639
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This document also is available free of
charge on the Internet. To access, go
through the EPA Public Access Server to
gopher.epa.gov. From the main menu, go
to "EPA Offices and Regions." The docu-
ment can be found under the "Office of
Solid Waste" directory.
*U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1995-0-623-570
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