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WHAT CAN YOU
TODAY
S M T W T F S
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
CHALLENGE
The Resource Conservation Challenge
Guide To Becoming a
Resource Conservation
Challenge Partner
The Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) is a challenge to all Americans-
makers, sellers, and buyers of goods-to conserve our nation's natural
resources by changing behavior. The RCC is the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA's) program that promotes a new resource conservation ethic by
encouraging everyone to: operate more efficiently; purchase more wisely; make,
use, and reuse products that contain reduced levels of toxic chemicals; and make
products that are easy to recycle and that are made from recycled materials.
EPA welcomes partners to the RCC, and challenges them to help make America
a better place. A place where products, materials, and waste are less toxic; where
they pose lower environmental threats; where they are reusable and recyclable;
and where they are made and used more efficiently.
Currently, EPA has developed two ways that partner-
ship projects can enter the RCC. The Agency may
select projects, or they may be nominated by industry,
government agencies (local, state, other federal),
tribes, or any nongovernmental organizations. EPA will
evaluate all nominated projects on the scope of the
problem identified; goals and measures expected; and
methods used to conserve resources and to address
environmental problems. The selected projects are
managed by a Steering Committee, which reports to
the EPA Assistant Administrators.
Goals of the RCC
• Prevent pollution and
promote recycling and
reuse
• Reduce priority chemi-
cals at all product life
cycle stages
• Conserve energy and
materials
Each partnership project is expected to be different,
and many types of partnerships may be formed. EPA's
commitment level and response to a partnership challenge depends on the type of
challenge the partnership is pursuing, and the partnership's degree of commitment to
the project. The more recognizable and proven the results of the challenge, the more
EPA will express its commitment and reward the participants. Therefore, entry into an
RCC partnership depends on the project identified and on discussions with EPA. It is
also expected that projects may enter the RCC at different points during the develop-
ment process.
This guide explains how to become an RCC partner. Partners need to define and
reach specific RCC goals, and they must measure and promote their successes.
Together, we can achieve the RCC goals and improve the environment.
Interested participants can find more information on the RCC website at
or, to propose a challenge, contact the
RCC team at rcc-challenge@epa.gov.
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Step 1: Identify the
Environmental Problem
and Define Its Challenge
You should identify and define the
environmental problem that you plan
to address. Once defined, you should
specify activities that you will undertake
to resolve the problem (your challenge).
The selected challenge may address
the entire environmental problem iden-
tified, or it may cover any portion of it.
We recommend that the challenge
address: (1) a new problem or one
that is not covered by current regula-
tions (for example, getting to "unfin-
ished business"); (2) one or more of
the three RCC goals; and (3) a prob-
lem of national importance.
Step 2: Identify and
Talk with Partners
The key to the RCC is its partners. Part-
nerships are essential for developing
and implementing environmentally beneficial solutions. These partnerships may include
members of industry, trade associations, universities, public interest groups, tribes, or
state, local, or federal agencies, including both Regional and Headquarters EPA offices
involved in all programs (waste, toxics, water, air, etc). As part of the dialogue, the part-
ners will likely discuss a number of areas that include: defining roles and responsibilities;
identifying and prioritizing projects; and working collaboratively on results. Different part-
ners may be identified for each project chosen for a specific challenge.
Tire Partnership Identifies Its
Challenge
Every year, the United States faces the task of managing
millions of scrap tires. In 2001 alone, the United States
generated approximately 273 million scrap tires. Histori-
cally, these tires were placed in landfills, stockpiled, or
illegally dumped. In landfills, tires take up valuable
space. Tires that are stockpiled or dumped become
breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents—not to
mention a detriment to neighboring properties and to the
aesthetic value of the nation's country side. Tire piles also
are prone to fires that are hard to extinguish. These fires
emit noxious pollutants into the air, water and soil and
can cost millions of dollars to mitigate.
The specific challenge identified by the RCC Tire Partner-
ship is that only 76 percent of the current supply of scrap
tires have end-use markets as recycled products or fuels.
The tire cluster determined that new end-use markets are
needed to address the remaining 24 percent of scrap tires
as well as existing used tire piles. New end-use markets
are sought. Developing new end-uses that recycle the
used tires will support the recycling/reuse RCC goal and
new fuel markets will support the goal of using alternative
energy sources.
Partnership Shares Responsibility for Recycling Electronics
The Plug-In to e-Cycling partnership aims to increase the availability of safe electronic recycling. The project has
taken a two-pronged approach. One route is to identify partners who have committed to advertise information about
recycling used electronics equipment, and to provide increased opportunities to recycle these products.
The second Plug-In approach is still early in the development process. This partnership will pilot voluntarily shared
responsibility for collecting, transporting, and recycling old consumer electronics. Manufacturers, retailers, governmen-
tal agencies, recyclers, and nongovernmental partners will take part in this effort.
The following partners have joined forces with EPA in the Plug-In to e-Cycling Partnership:
Arlington, TX
AT&T Wireless
Best Buy Company
Chelmsford, MA
Citrus County, FL
City of Thousand Oaks, CA
Clinton County, Ml
Dell
Earth 911
Envirocycle
Fairhope, AL
Indianapolis Virtual
Scavengers
JVC
Leon County, FL
Lexmark
NxtCycle
Panasonic
Per Scholas
Recycle America Alliance
Sharp
Snohomish County, WA
Sony
Staples
Village of Northbrook, IL
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Step 3: Identify and Develop
Solutions/ Objectives/
Targets/ Implementation
Plan and Time Line
We believe it is important for partners to dis-
cuss and reach agreement on proposed
solutions to the identified environmental prob-
lem. To minimize duplication of effort and to
prioritize solutions, partners should factor in
the existence of ongoing projects in the chal-
lenge area that meet the goals of the RCC. It
may be appropriate to develop more than
one solution to reach the desired objective(s).
EPA is looking for environmentally sound
solutions that improve public health or the
environment. The most desirable solution(s)
will likely be flexible, nonregulatory, ambitious,
sustainable, and approached on a life cycle
basis. Solutions that prevent the creation of
pollutants and waste, and produce durable,
recyclable, and less hazardous goods are
preferred. The solutions also may be, or
set the stage for, a national effort.
We also believe the partners should identify
and discuss the necessary tools, drivers,
and incentives to produce the desired
change. Potential barriers should be identi-
fied and environmentally sound remedies
proposed. Together, partners must decide
Reductions in Toxic Chemicals Are
Goals of the Targeted Chemicals
Partnership
The Targeted Chemical Partnership defined a measur-
able overall objective to cut the generation of 30 tar-
geted chemicals in hazardous waste by 50 percent by
2005. It intends to reduce the use of targeted chemi-
cals at all stages in the life cycle of products (includ-
ing design), purchasing, and end of life (i.e., waste
materials and emissions). Since this goal is very
broad in scope, the subgroup believes that it should
develop an overall strategy which will help focus
energy on the highest priority activities and will nar-
row the scope for the partnership. Initially, the sub-
group intends to focus on the most prevalent targeted
chemicals: lead, dioxin, mercury, and naphthalene, by
forming partnerships and gaining commitments from
the highest volume generators and users of these
chemicals.
A check of existing projects related to the Chemical
Partnership revealed 30 current projects. The group
selected nine high priority projects. Each priority
project was given overall objectives and targets
which, when reached, will feed into the RCC's overall
objective. For example, one high priority project enti-
tled Dioxin Reduction at DuPont Titanium Dioxide
Plants has set an overall goal to modify DuPont's cur-
rent titanium dioxide process to cut dioxin generation
in half by 2005 at domestic and overseas plants. Gen-
erating less dioxin waste will feed into the partners'
overall objective of cutting the generation of 30 tar-
geted chemicals by 50 percent by 2005.
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
Projects under the Electronics Partnership cover all areas of the product lifecycle stages, from initial design through
end use and ultimate disposition. The group has developed an implementation plan and time line that includes all their
current projects as well as individual plans and time lines.
One such project, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), will result in a national assessment
tool that will facilitate identification of environmentally preferable design in personal computing devices. Specifically,
participants plan to develop a functional rating system for electronic equipment designed to minimize environmental
impacts throughout the lifecycle of these products.
The implementation plan for the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool includes the following information:
1. Description of the project
2. Specific objectives, expected outcomes, and outputs
3. Schedule of accomplishments, progress, and milestones
Phase 1: Lay the foundation for the structure of the rating system
Phase 2: Build the structure & preliminary guidelines
Phase 3: Peer review & finalize the guidelines & standards
Phase 4: Commission the system and initial operations
4. Time line for the phases
More information
on this project
can be found on
the web at
www.epeat.net.
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how success is to be determined and agree on an overall measurable environmental
objective, sub-objectives and targets. Solutions should measure the results achieved
against a baseline and the set objectives and targets. Partners should consider
whether a third party is necessary for monitoring, evaluating, and assessing progress
towards the set objectives and targets. We recommend that objectives and targets be
linked to at least one of the RCC goals.
Finally, we believe it is important for partnerships to develop a plan for implementing
each solution in the defined challenge, as well as an overall plan that describes how
everything fits together in the entire RCC area. The plan should describe the major
events identified above, and may include a number of other appropriate elements. For
example, the implementation plan may include a strategy that identifies how the part-
nership will communicate its message to the necessary parties, and the type of edu-
cation materials needed (such as training or outreach) to ensure the desired outcome
or behavior change. If a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be used, the
implementation plan may also identify the process of developing and signing an MOU
as well as the responsibilities of all parties. EPA also recommends that a time line be
developed that includes all important elements of the implementation plan.
Step 4: Announce Partnership and Agreement
Elements of the agreements are expected to vary depending on the partnerships'
solutions, objectives, targets, and commitments. Consequently, the degree to which
the partnership and agreement will be publicized depends on the scope of the com-
mitment attained. For example, an agreement to supply a small grant for research in a
certain area—although important to achieving a stated objective—may call for a limit-
ed announcement. Conversely, an agreement concerning a significant environmental
improvement with a high level of commitment between parties may prompt a greater
degree of publicity. We expect that, at the highest level of commitment, the details of
the agreement will be documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is
signed by all key partners. Therefore, partners should discuss the level of agreement
while deciding how best to announce the agreement.
Recycling Lead from Bullets and Lead Shot
Lead exposure can pose serious health risks. Lead from reach and technical assistance activities continue to
lead shot or bullets can contaminate the environment by encourage new partners to join.
migrating into soil, surface water, and ground water. Mananpmpnt Prartirps fnr I part at Outdoor
Around the country, approximately 9,000 shooting ranges he Best Mana9emen™ices for Lead at Outdoor
anrl
Rico, ad the Virgin islands) is leading a national pro-
gram for enhancing the recovery and recycling of lead
from outdoor shooting ranges.
After creating a Best Management Practices manual with
its partners, and conducting outreach and technical
assistance, Region 2 is recognizing ranges that imple-
ment acceptable Environmental Stewardship Plans
(ESPs). An ESP is a document that explains how lead
shot and bullets will be managed, reclaimed, and recy-
cled at an individual range. It also discusses documenta-
tion and record keeping activities. Ranges that commit to
an ESP receive Certificates of Recognition from EPA. Out-
shooting ranges around the US. Based on commitments
received, EPA estimates that approximate^ 50 000 pounds
of lead Wl" now be properly managed and reclaimed
In January 2003, EPA, the Izaak Walton League of Ameri-
s S
over 100,000
y env ronment each year.
H y
The signing of the MOU was announced using a number
of different techniques. The press was invited to attend
the signing: a press release was issued; trade associa-
tions magazines highlighted the event; and a number of
websites (both public and private ) herald the partnership.
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Step 5: Publicize Reaching Major Milestones
EPA and its partners will announce significant progress toward reaching the defined
objectives or major milestones of the proj-
ect. Partners should determine the best
way to do this (e.g., press release, Web-
sites, trade journals, or public service
announcements). Announcements can
publicize progress towards the stated
goals, pilot program successes, or reach-
ing the final outcome of the challenge.
Finally, once the overall objective for the
challenge is met and the success has
been announced, the partnership deter-
mines what additional ether work can be
done. For example, the partnership might
focus on longer term solutions after
achieving short-term goals. A project that
may have produced a successful pilot
might be ready to expand to the regional
or national levels. A project targeted at
certain segments of the population might
now focus on different segments. In any
of these cases, the partnerships could
decide to circle back to Step 2 and begin
the process again.
Outreach to the
Hispanic Community
EPA unveiled its new campaign to encourage
Hispanic Americans to reuse and recycle
used motor oil. Entitled "You Dump It, You
Drink It," the campaign rolled out at the
2003 League of United Latin American Citi-
zens Annual National Convention. The mate-
rial includes a variety of printed information
that is available in both Spanish and English.
Promotion of the material has been through
many venues: targeted mailings, press
releases, public service announcements, and
national conferences. EPA plans to expand
this outreach campaign to a larger audience
and is currently identifying partners.
WasteWise
WasteWise is a voluntary program within the
RCC that solicits organizations, businesses,
institutions, and state, local, and tribal govern-
ments to partner with EPA by committing to
cut their waste (i.e., paper, computers, food
waste) by practicing waste reduction, recy-
cling, and reuse. WasteWise is a flexible pro-
gram that allows partners to design their own
waste reduction programs. Since 1994, over
1,300 partners have collectively reduced more
than 69 million tons of waste.*
EPA draws attention to WasteWise partners
and their waste reduction accomplishments
through a variety of activities, such as press
releases, web sites, and magazines. Each part-
ner is encouraged to use and display the
WasteWise logo. In addition, the companies
that achieve the most outstanding reductions
are presented awards. These top reporting
partners receive their awards at the National
WasteWise Recognition Ceremony and their
accomplishments are publicized in the Waste-
Wise Annual Report, on the program's web
site, and through articles in trade publications,
Internet news agencies and association bul-
letins. More information on the WasteWise
program can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/wastewise.
*This total is calculated using data voluntarily reported by
WasteWise partners. These figures represent aggregate results
from all waste prevention and recycling programs implement-
ed by the companies and therefore may include activities not
directly related to Waste Wise goals.
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EPA Limits on Partnerships
Participation in an EPA-RCC partnership neither implies nor constitutes endorsement of any company, product, or
service by the Environmental Protection Agency. RCC partners cannot create advertising which expressly or
implicitly violates this prohibition and remain a partner with EPA.
EPA is authorized to cooperate with private and public efforts to reduce the adverse effects of releasing waste in
the environment, and to encourage the recycling of industrial and commercial materials. The RCC is open to all
companies and organizations that wish to join the Agency in this endeavor. Press releases and promotional mate-
rials may advise to the public of your participation in the RCC, and may identify any recognition awards that EPA
provides to the partner.
All commitments are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Neither the Agency nor its partners are
under legally binding obligations of continued participation in the RCC.
vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (5305W)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA530-F-03-055
October 2003
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve
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