OFFICE
HANDBOOK:
Agency
REGION III
Maryland • Virginia
W. Virginia • Delav*
Washington, D.C.
re • Pennsylvania
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O 3F
RECYCLE
TOMORROW
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Office Recycling Handbook has been a cooperative effort
between the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region
III, and the General Services Administration, Region III. Coauthors are:
Andrew Uricheck, Theresa Martella. Lillian Smith, U.S. EPA; George A. A.
Shal, GSA. Credit for the development and design of this handbook
belongs to U.S. EPA Region V and AT. Kearney, Inc., under contract to
U.S. EPA.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region I
Published February 1991
THIS HANDBOOK IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED
PAPER USING LEAD-FREE AND NON-TOXIC INKS
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(Co
>NTENTS
Introduction 1
Office Trash Or Cash? 1
What Is Recycling? 4
Stepl: Getting Started 5
Selecting A Recycling Coordinator
Selecting Recycling Monitors
Step 2: Survey Who Throws Away What 7
Evaluate The Tenant Base
Visual Survey
Know Your Local Recycling Resources
Special Considerations
Step 3: What Materials To Recycle? 11
Commonly Recycled Materials
Step 4: Determine Collection System 14
Contaminants In The Recycling Stream
Source Separation Methods
Step 5: Implement The Program 18
Educate Employees
Minimize The Source
Summary 20
Glossary 21
Contacts 23
Publications 29
Appendices A1-F1
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I
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is meant to evoke thought and provide assistance
toward initiating a recycling program in your office. It is imperative
that we understand the importance of recycling as a means of de-
creasing our dependence on current waste disposal methods such as
landfills. As we move into the twenty-first century, we must work
together to promote conservation of our natural resources," and
recycling can help achieve that goal.
Office recycling programs provide an excellent opportunity to make a
considerable impact on the quantity of waste that needs disposal. A
successful program requires a number of simple steps. This handbook
is offered as a guide to help you get started and outlines methods to
develop an effective program. The methods presented here can be
adopted by any office including federal and state agencies as well as
private companies. In addition, a glossary of common terms and a list
of contacts and publications, which may be useful in program devel-
opment are provided. Included as appendices are several forms
useful as tools to define the scope of your recycling program and to
help determine the benefits your company will derive from recycling.
Recycling today for tomorrow is a necessary step toward protecting
our valuable natural resources and can provide economic benefits.
'FFICE TRASH OR CASH?
The volume of office waste discarded each day is staggering. On
average, office workers generate approximately 1.5 pounds of office
waste daily, comprised mostly of paper (office bond, memo paper,
computer printouts, and copying paper). We have become a "throw
away" society discarding waste materials with little thought to the
impact this immense quantity of waste has on our environment and
the economy.
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Today we are confronted by a national solid waste crisis. Historically,
the usual method of disposing office waste has been landfilling. In
1988, we disposed of 180 million tons of trash, and this amount contin-
ues to increase each year. The number of operating landfills nation-
wide has decreased from 18,500 in 1979 to 6,500 in 1988. It is pro-
jected that by the year 2000 there will be only 3,250 operating landfills
in the United States. The landfills that remain open will increase their
tipping fees, and associated shipping costs will rise as waste gets
hauled over greater distances. These market-driven factors will result
in increased disposal fees for every waste generator. Landfills are no
longer acceptable or feasible as the single disposal option. We must
find viable alternatives to arbitrarily throwing things away. One effec-
tive method is recycling.
For decades, resources that could have been recycled have been
lost. Forty-one percent of the waste sent to municipal landfills is paper,
and it is estimated that 85 percent of that waste is recyclable. In
environmental terms, recovery of paper will result in the conservation
of 5 million cubic yards of landfill space, 3 million barrels of crude oil,
and 26 million trees a year. In other words, recycling contributes to the
conservation of valuable resources.
The problem all of us now face is what to do about the enormous
volume of waste generated daily. If we want to control and inhibit the
rapid destruction of our natural resources, we must adopt new atti-
tudes and habits. We cannot afford to ignore the waste problem and
hope it will go away. As disposal costs skyrocket, recycling becomes
increasingly cost-effective. By reducing the amount of trash, waste
disposal costs may decrease or stabilize. In addition, recycling will
generate revenue which will offset collection costs while providing a
new source of income.
The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 246, requires that all
federal agencies that generate solid waste take action to recover
that resource. Compliance with this federal regulation is not the only
regulation that will require the federal community to recycle. An
Executive Order is being proposed to mandate that all federal
agencies source separate and purchase recycled content products.
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On the local, county, and state levels, legislation has been passed
which also mandates recycling. These legislative actions and Execu-
tive Orders will help achieve a 25 percent recycling goal by 1992.
As private citizens we can follow the government's lead by develop-
ing a daily routine of recycling. It is not only good citizenship, in many
jurisdictions, it is the law. More local governments are passing legisla-
tion that requires recycling. Many of us already recycle at home, and
this habit can be transferred to the work place. Once a simple system
is in place, recycling will become second nature, and we can all
derive a sense of pride from contributing to the conservation of natu-
ral resources as well as saving money.
Recycling is particularly suited to the work place because most office
waste is paper. Many large corporations have already instituted
recycling programs, which have continually proven that recycling is a
cost-effective method of managing waste paper and is relatively easy
to implement. This office recycling handbook outlines some of the
steps in achieving that goal. Its purpose is to provide practical assis-
tance and to foster awareness about alternatives to current waste
management practices. This handbook is designed for the facility or
office manager who has accepted the challenge to find responsible
and cost-effective answers to our solid waste crisis.
Paper & paperboard
41.0%
Misc. inorganic wastes
1.8%.,
Glass
8.2%
Yard wastes
17.9%
Food wastes
7.9%
is. Rubber, leather,
textiles, wood
8.1%
Metals
8.7%
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/HAT IS RECYCLING?
*•.
Most of us are familiar with the term "recycling,' but may not fully
understand the concept. Recycling is reusing materials that still have
a useful physical or chemical property, which after having served their
original purpose, can replace raw materials. The most common items
recycled are aluminum cans and paper. Using products made from
recycled materials is also an important component of a successful
program.
It is irresponsible to continue destroying forests in order to produce
paper when paper is easily recycled. It makes no sense to bury in the
ground materials that can be reused. Plastic soft drink containers are a
good example of materials that should be recycled rather than dis-
carded in landfills because these items require a lot of space.
The need for landfills will not be completely eliminated by recycling.
We can, however, substantially decrease our dependence on this
waste disposal method by reducing the quantity of waste we send to
the landfill. Recycling provides environmental benefits as well as an
economic tool for reducing projected costs for routine disposal.
Recycling is just one component of an integrated waste management
system hierarchy. Other hierarchy components include:
D Source reduction
O Landfills
D Incineration
Source Reduction is the first level in the hierarchy and focuses on
minimizing the volume and toxicity of the waste.
Recycling is the next level and shifts valuable resources from landfills
and incinerators back to the manufacturers. The recycling process is
not complete until recycled materials are purchased by the consumer.
Landfills and Incineration are the third and fourth levels in the inte-
grated waste management system. The Environmental Protection
Agency specifies no ranking preference; each is ranked depending
on region, resources, and demographics.
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0>TEP 1: GETTING STARTED
SELECTING A RECYCLING COORDINATOR
A successful recycling program is based on three key elements:
concern, learn, and return. Designing an effective and efficient
program requires forethought and organization. The first step is to
select a Recycling Coordinator who will be responsible for setting up
and managing the recycling program. An enthusiastic coordinator
ensures a successful program. The coordinator will act as a liaison
among management, recycling monitors, janitorial services, the
recycling collector, and the waste hauler. The coordinator should
possess good communication skills, effective organizational skills, and
a thorough understanding of the recycling program.
Role of the Recycling Coordinator
D Initiates the program
a Implements employee education program
D Encourages employee participation
D Tracks progress of the program
D Evaluates the program on a monthly basis
D Develops program reports
D Coordinates with the Recycling Monitors
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SELECTING RECYCLING MONITORS
After the Recycling Coordinator is selected, the next step is to select
monitors for each floor of the office. The selection process for Recy-
cling Monitors demands the same consideration of skills as for the
coordinator. The monitors will serve as the contact person for the
coordinator. Certainly, a well-designed program with enthusiastic and
knowledgeable monitors is critical to a successful recycling program.
Role of the Recycling Monitors
d Assist the coordinator in education and promotion campaigns
D Encourage employee participation
D Ensure that recycling containers are free of nonrecyclable trash
a Notify Recycling Coordinator of aesthetic problems
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cS)TEP 2: SURVEY WHO THROWS
AWAY WHAT
After a coordinator and monitors have been chosen, the next step in
program development is to determine the scope of the recycling
program. It will be necessary for the office manager and the desig-
nated coordinator to perform a waste survey, which should consist of
the steps listed in the graphic below.
A number of forms and worksheets are provided as appendices to this
handbook. These forms and worksheets can be used to input data
collected on building tenants (Appendix A) as well as information
useful in assessing current waste hauling costs (Appendix C). In addi-
tion, two worksheets are provided to assist in calculating total waste
generated (Appendix B) and to calculate the costs and benefits of
your recycling effort (Appendix D).
routines .-n\id waste codes
6.^etoc|.soUdWton(iVmg
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EVALUATE THE TENANT BASE
Data on building tenants are critical to designing an effective recy-
cling program. Various building statistics and an assessment of client
requirements will be needed. The building profile sheet (see Appendix
A) is a simple form which can be used to organize the data collected
on the total number of employees, departments, and floors in the
building. At this point in the program development process, special
waste disposal needs should be identified. Special needs could
include the necessity to incinerate certain paper waste due to security
requirements of some tenants.
This evaluation should measure the who, what, and where of solid
waste generation. It will provide the necessary information on the
components of the waste stream, which will assist the Recycling
Coordinator in determining the scope of the recycling effort. Building
managers should research janitorial and trash collection costs,
collection days, number of pickups per week, and quantity of trash
picked up each month (estimated size of the container). In buildings
where there are existing recycling programs, the waste audit process
can be used to determine if the program should be expanded to
other recyclables or
rate of the materials
to increase the recovery
currently recycled.
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VISUAL SURVEY
A survey should be conducted of trash cans on each floor, particularly
those near computer stations, copiers, and copy rooms. Listing the
most common items found will help to determine items that can be
recovered for recycling. Do not limit your recycling program to paper
products; aluminum soft drink cans are also a valuable recyclable.
Another important item to consider for inclusion in a recycling pro-
gram is glass. Obviously, paper represents the bulk of office waste;
however, including aluminum and glass in the recycling program may
offer additional economic benefits.
The visual survey step should also focus on the aesthetic element of
the recycling effort. Management may be concerned about the
aesthetic quality of the containers; therefore, the appearance of the
workplace should be considered when choosing and placing the
containers.
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KNOW YOUR LOCAL RECYCLING RESOURCES
Becoming familiar with the local recycling market is critical to program
success. Many cities have recycling programs with coordinators
located in Solid Waste Management Offices who can provide current
information on local recycling efforts. Included at the end of this
handbook is a list of contacts who can provide useful information
about recycling. Building managers should also talk to local and state
government officials. Other important contacts are local waste
haulers, who usually have information on prices and procedures for
pickup of recyclable materials. The first waste hauler to contact may
be the one who is currently contracted for your building. This contrac-
tor may also provide a recycling collection service.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
s
Be aware of local fire codes: they contain guidelines for storage of
waste paper. Incorporating fire regulations into your recycling pro-
gram during its development will save you time and possible inconve-
nience later. The requirements are easy to follow and usually include
safety information such as storage area specifications (e.g., they must
be enclosed, and bins containing flammables must have lids). In
addition to fire safety codes, pest control must be considered. The
designated storage area should be kept neat and free of excess
debris to avoid creating a pest problem.
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§)TEP 3: WHAT MATERIALS TO
RECYCLE?
Completing Step 2 will provide a better understanding of what is being
thrown away and what materials can be salvaged. The following
information presents an overview of some of the most commonly
recycled materials.
COMMONLY RECYCLED MATERIALS
D Paper
Waste paper recycling has several benefits: it provides mills with
a valuable fiber source, it provides income to recyclers, and it reduces
municipal disposal costs. According to the American Paper Insititute,
in 1986,200 of the nation's 600 pulp, paper, paperboard, and building
products mills relied almost exclusively on waste paper for raw mate-
rial, and another 300 used at least some waste paper in their opera-
tions (API, 1986; note: a large amount of this waste paper was indus-
trial scrap). As more recycling programs come on line and the supply
of scrap paper increases, the paper industry is expected to respond
by developing more facilities that handle secondary fiber.
Old Newspaper (ONP). Most recycling programs have provisions for
collecting old newspaper, which is one of the most prevalent materi-
als in the municipal solid waste stream, and has historically been one
of the most commonly recycled materials.
Corrugated Cardboard. According to the American Paper Institute,
corrugated cardboard is the largest single source of waste paper for
recycling (API, 1985). Many office supplies are packaged in corru-
gated cardboard containers. Rather than discarding these, they
should be an element of the recycling program.
High-Grade Paper. High-grade papers include office bond, computer
paper, white ledger paper, and key punch cards. The market for
these materials has historically remained steady because good quality
products (i.e., few colored paper mixtures, binders, plastics, etc.) can
be used as a direct substitute for wood pulp.
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Mixed Paper. Mixed paper is usually collected from office buildings
and industrial plants. Mixed paper often contains significant quantities
of high-quality paper, which can be valuable if separated. However,
"contaminant" materials such as rubber bands, inks, and coatings,
decrease mixed paper value, and should be removed during the
collection process.
D Aluminum
42.5 billion of the 77.9 billion aluminum cans produced in 1988 were
recycled (Salimando, 1989). The demand for recycled aluminum is
high, as it takes approximately 95 percent less energy to produce an
aluminum can from an existing can than from ore (Keep America
Beautiful, Inc., 1989). Consequently, aluminum is a high-value product
and is the greatest revenue generator of many recycling programs.
GREEN GLASS
CLEAR GLASS
BROWN GLASS
MATERIAL
CATEGORIES
ALUMINUM CANS
TIN CANS
ALUMINUM FOIL
CORRUGATED CARDBOARD
& BROWN PAPER BAGS
MIXED PAPER
NEWSPAPERS MAGAZINES
COMPUTER PRINTOUT
OFFICE PAPER
GREEN SODA BOTTLES
CLEAR SODA BOTTLES
POLYSTYRENE PACKING
PLASTIC JUGS
EXAMPLES
soda & beer cans
soup & pet food cans
pie plates, foil
beer & wine bottles
jars, clear window glass
liquor & beer bottles
double-waled cardboard
school paper, junk mail
cereal boxes, shoe boxes
anything that comes with your
newspaper
white of ic« paper
bond paper
plastic ginger ale bottles
plastic cola bottles
polystyrene p-nuts
cider, water & milk jugs
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D Glass
Glass is also one of the most commonly recycled materials, and the
market price for post-consumer glass has historically been steady.
Glass is often separated by color to be reprocessed: clear, green and
brown. Separation can take place in the office. After collection (or
drop-off) and separation, glass bottles and jars are crushed into small
pieces and then sold to end users, who mix it with sand, soda ash, and
limestone to form new glass containers. Glass should be clean and
free of contaminants such as metal caps, ceramics, rocks, and dirt.
D Plastics
Plastics recycling is a relatively young industry, and only one percent
of plastics is currently recycled. But as processing technologies are
developed, plastics recycling is expected to expand. Although
plastics recycling is not an established money-maker in many areas,
the plastics recycling industry is in a stage of rapid growth.
PET (polyethylene terapthalate). Most plastic soft drink bottles are
made of this material, which is the most commonly recycled plastic.
The Plastic Bottle Institute reports a 20-percent rise in the number of
plastic bottle recycling companies between 1987 and 1988. 150
million pounds of plastic soft drink bottles were recycled in 1987 (PBI,
1988).
HOPE (high-density polyethylene). Milk jugs and detergent bottles are
the most easily identified HDPE products in the waste stream. Like PET
bottles, this type of plastic is currently recycled and the HDPE market is
growing as processing technolgies are developed.
Mixed Plastics. Mixed or commingled plastics are unsorted materials
including combinations of several plastic resins and "contaminants"
such as paper, wood, metals, and glass. Mixed plastics processing is a
developing technology, and markets for the material are expected to
increase.
Other Plastics. Other plastics that could be recycled in greater quanti-
ties in the future include: polystyrene; polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polypropylene (PP), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Because
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plastics recycling is such a new field, the recycling loop is not yet
complete in many areas of the country. Significant progress must still
be made in the collection, separation, processing, and purchasing of
recycled plastics.
r3)TEP 4: DETERMINE COLLECTION
SYSTEM
After the scope of the recycling program has been determined, a
method to reduce or eliminate contaminants in the recycling stream
must be identified. Contaminants in the recycling stream can cause
serious problems in the recycling process and can substantially lower
the value of your recycled materials.
CONTAMINANTS IN THE RECYCLING STREAM
High & Low Grade Office Paper
The most frequently found contaminants in office paper are:
n Glossy paper
n Post-it Notes™
n Tape
n Carbon paper
O Blueprints
D Cardboard
D Pressure-sensitive labels
D Paper with insoluble glue (e.g., wrapping for copier paper)
n Envelopes with plastic windows
D Envelopes with pressure-sensitive flaps and labels
n Binder clips, metal fasteners, rubber bands (save for re-use)
n Food wrappings, cups, napkins, tissues
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard should be kept free of contaminants that
adversely affect production efficiency and product quality. Contami-
nant-free corrugated waste paper also increases its value.
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Common contaminants include:
D Polystyrene packing materials
n Plastic bags
n Trays used to package food items
n Plastic cups
Newspapers
In order to maximize the price that can be obtained for newspapers,
they should be kept clean, dry. out of direct sunlight, tied in bundles or
placed in paper bags, and free of contaminants. Contaminants
include:
O Wire hangers or other metal objects
D Wax paper
n Aluminum foil
n Food
n Plastic bags
n Glass
D Wood and yard waste
Glass
Glass has a number of processing and handling requirements that
must be followed in order to produce cullet (crushed glass) that is
furnace ready (i.e., color-sorted and free of contaminants).
Depending on the hauler, glass may have to be separated by color
(green, brown, clear). Color sorting is essential to guarantee color
consistency in containers being made from recycled glass. Contami-
nation is a serious concern of the glass container industry. Sources of
contamination include:
n Metals (such as aluminum caps and steel lids)
n Stones and dirt
D Neck rings from bottles
D Ceramic cups, dishes and ovenware
D Light bulbs
n Plate glass, safety and window glass
n Heat-resistant glass
n Lead-based glass such as crystal or TV tubes
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These materials can create serious problems in glass container
manufacturing because they can appear in the containers being
made, causing both structural and aesthetic problems. Ceramics and
stones can create similar problems.
SOURCE SEPARATION METHODS
In order to avoid contaminants in the recycling stream, a source
separation method should be adopted. There are several ways to
source separate. Recycling programs typically use one of several
systems to transfer materials from the individual to various office
collection points. These include:
D Desk top system where the user places recyclable paper in a
container on the desk and discards nonrecyclable waste in a
waste basket.
n Two waste basket system where one basket is used for recyclable
paper and the second for discarding nonrecyclable waste.
As these individual office units become full, each employee, or a
custodian, deposits the materials in appropriate central collection
containers. As a variation to the options above, vendors may offer
services which enable mixed recyclables to be collectively stored for
dealer pick-up and transport to processing centers.
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D Centralized office containers, which accommodate a wide variety
of office recyclables, including paper, glass, and aluminum, also
can be used for separating office recyclables. Central collection
containers are clearly identified bins, located in copy rooms or •
within individual office bay areas serving 15 to 20 persons.
Other centralized container options for materials such as glass or
aluminum include large containers (often called "igloos") located
outside the building, or containers located in lunchrooms or adjacent
to well-trafficked areas. This central container concept can be ex-
panded to collect newspapers or corrugated cardboard, among
other materials. Custodians or building management staff-or in some
cases outside contractors-transfer the materials from the central
containers to bulk storage areas. The main storage area should be
organized to minimize the accidental mixing of trash with segregated
recyclables. The building manager and/or recycling vendor can assist
in the selection of the main storage site. Keep in mind the following
points when selecting a main storage site:
D Is the site large enough?
D Can the site be locked?
n Is the site protected with sprinklers?
n Is there a freight elevator easily accessible?
Once you have decided which method fits your needs, the next step
is to decide types of collection equipment required. For example, a
compactor or baler may be needed, and the type and size of the
containers necessary to handle the expected volume of recyclables
should be identified. Collection options will vary based on five
decisions:
n What you choose to collect
n Which transfer system you will employ (where collection
containers are located)
n Who transfers collected material
n What storage space and handling equipment is available
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5: IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM
EDUCATE EMPLOYEES
A successful office recycling program depends on employer
endorsement and employee awareness, cooperation, and concern.
Here are some suggestions to get a recycling program started.
D Develop a kickoff memo from top administration to all personnel
outlining the importance and benefits of a recycling program.
Appendix E provides sample kickoff memos which can be tailored
to your company's or agency's specific recycling effort
D Provide a memo to all employees explaining how to sort
recyclables
D Schedule an education seminar for management, employees, and
maintenance staff
n Present information in the employee newsletter about progress on
problem areas within the program
n Prevent excess accumulation of recyclables at container areas.
Reinforce the recycling habit by maintaining the collection areas
P Present awards to those who do a particularly conscientious job
After the program has been implemented, routine evaluation meet-
ings to review and improve the program should be conducted. This
will aid in keeping open lines of communication and will provide a
forum for suggestions to improve the overall success of the recycling
effort.
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MINIMIZE THE SOURCE
Source reduction is another strategy to decrease the generation of
waste. Minimizing the source can be achieved in a number of ways.
Consumer purchasing plays a key role in minimizing waste. It is impor-
tant to purchase recyclable goods and products which come in
recyclable packaging. Another way to reduce the volume of waste is
to purchase goods made from previously recycled materials. Making
intelligent purchases can lead to an overall reduction in the waste
stream. Smart shopping also sends signals to manufacturers. If the
demand for products made from recycled materials increases, manu-
facturers will find it necessary to rethink production methods. By
eliminating or reducing the need for certain items, the volume of
waste sent to the landfill is minimized, thus conserving diminishing
landfill space. Source reduction in the office can be achieved
through various methods including:
D Copying on two sides
D Reducing the number of copies routed in an office
n Using electronic mail to send interoffice memos
n Reusing scrap paper for notes and message pads
n Using materials that have a longer life span
D Posting information on announcement boards versus making
multiple copies
D Using mugs instead of paper or polystyrene cups
n Avoiding disposable items. Use items that can be repaired,
recycled, refilled, or reused
n Promoting the use of items that contain recycled materials,
especially common office supplies
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s
UMMARY
Our natural resources are endangered and available landfill space is
dwindling. Recycling is not only good citizenship, it makes good
business sense. In the long run, it is more cost effective to reuse or
recycle than it is to produce from virgin materials. In many jurisdic-
tions, recycling is fast becoming law.
Recycling is easy and practical. Three important keys to recycling are
concern, learn, and return. Environmental issues have found their way
onto the front pages of newspapers and are often the topic of nightly
news broadcasts. This increasing concern is the first step. The next
step is to learn all you can about environmental issues and how
recycling fits into the overall integrated waste management system
hierarchy. The last and most important step is to begin a recycling
effort. This requires not only returning materials to appropriate centers
where the items can be substituted for expensive and disappearing
raw materials, but purchasing products made from recycled materials.
This handbook offers simple steps and methods for developing and
implementing an office recycling program. Recycling can become
part of any organization's standard operating procedure. The greater
the participation, the greater the success of the program. Enthusiastic
employee participation will result in a more efficient and economical
program. Recycling will reduce the amount of trash hauled away and
will most likely result in lower disposal costs. If we all do our part, we
can change attitudes about current waste disposal methods and
prove that recycling is a viable waste management alternative.
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Baler - A machine used to compress recyclables to reduce volume.
Biodegradable Material - Waste material which can be broken down by microorganisms into simple,
stable compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. Most organic wastes - food and paper - are
biodegradable although this process can take years in a landfill.
Bottle Bill - A taw requiring deposits on beverage containers.
Broker - An individual or group of individuals who act as an agent or intermediary between the sellers
and buyers of recyclable materials.
Buy-Back Center - A facility where individuals bring recyclables in exchange for payment.
Commercial Waste - Waste materials originating in wholesale, retail, institutional or service establish-
ments such as office buildings, stores, markets, theaters, hotels, and warehouses.
Commingled Recyclable* - A mixture of several recyclable materials into one container.
Compactor - Power-driven device used to compress materials to a small volume.
Composting - The controlled biological decomposition of organic waste under aerobic conditions.
Corrugated Paper - Paper or cardboard made In a series of wrinkles or folds, or ridges and grooves.
Curbside Collection - Programs where recyclables are collected at the curb, often from special
containers. :
Diversion Rate - A measure of the waste being diverted for recycling compared with total waste
previously thrown away.
Drop-off Center - Collection site where wastes are taken and deposited into designated containers.
Garbage - Spoiled or waste food that is thrown away, generally defined as wet food waste.
High Grade Paper - Relatively valuable paper such as computer printout, white ledger, and tab cards.
Incineration - Burning at extreme temperatures to reduce volume reduction and/or recover energy.
Inorganic Waste - Waste composed of matter other than plant or animal (i.e.. contains no carbon).
Integrated Solid Wade Management - A practice of using several alternative waste management
techniques to manage and dispose of specific components of the municipal solid waste stream.
Waste management alternatives include source reduction, recycling, tandfilling, and incineration.
Manual Separation - Separation of recyclables from the waste stream by hand sorting.
Mechanical Separation - Mechanical separation of waste into components using cyclones, trammels.
or screens.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) - Includes nonhazardous waste generated in households, commercial
and business establishments, institutions, and.light industrial process wastes, agricultural wastes, mining
waste and sewage sludge. In practice, specific definitions vary across jurisdictions.
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Post-Consumer Recycling - The reuse of materials generated from residential and commercial waste.
excluding recycling of material from Industrial processes that has not reached the consumer, such as
glass broken during the manufacturing process.
Recyclable* - Materials that have useful physical or chemical properties after serving their original
purpose and can be reused or remanufactured Into additional products.
Recycling - The process by which materials otherwise destined for disposal are collected, reprocessed.
remanufactured, or reused.
Residential Waste - Waste materials generated In single- and multiple-family homes.
Reuse - The use of a product more than once In its same form for the same purpose; e.g.. a soft-drink
bottle is reused when it Is refilled at the bottling company.
Sanitary Landfill - Solid waste land disposal site where waste is spread In thin layers, compacted, and
covered with a fresh layer of soli each day to minimize pest, aesthetic, disease, air pollution, and
water pollution problems.
Source Reduction - The design, manufacture, acquisition and reuse of materials so as to minimize the
quantity and/or toxiclry of waste produced. Source reduction prevents waste either by redesigning
products or by otherwise changing societal patterns of consumption, use, and waste generation.
Source Separation - The segregation of specific materials at the point of generatbn for separate
collection.
Special Waste - Items requiring special or separate handling, such as household hazardous Wastes.
bulky wastes, tires and used oil.
Subtitle D - The solid, nonhazardous waste section of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Subtitle F - Section of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requiring the federal
government to participate in programs fostering recovery and use of recycled materials and energy.
Tipping Fee - A fee for the unloading or dumping of waste at a landfill, transfer station, recycling
center, or waste-to-energy facility.
Transfer Station - Location where wastes are transfered from one collection vehicle to another for
transport. Recycling and some processing may also take place at transfer stations.
Trash - Material considered worthless, unnecessary or offensive that is usually thrown away. Generally
defined as dry waste, but Is often a synonym used for garbage, rubbish, or refuse.
Volume Reduction - Processing waste to decrease the amount of space materials occupy, usually by
compacting or shredding. Incineration, or composting.
Waste Exchange - A computer and catalog network that redirects waste back into the manufacturing
or reuse process by matching companies generating specific wastes with companies that use those
wastes as manufacturing inputs.
Waste Reduction - Reducing the amount or type of waste generated. Sometimes used synonymously
with source reduction.
Waste Stream - The total flow of solid waste from homes, businesses. Institutions, and manufacturing
plants that must be recycled, burned, or disposed.
-------
Aluminum Association, 900 19th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 862-5100
Aluminum Recycling Association, 1000 16th Street, NW, Suite 603, Washington, D.C.
20036 (202) 785-0951
American Paper Institute, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 (202) 340-0654
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials, 444 North
Capitol Street, Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 624-5828
Council on Plastic and Packaging In the Environment, 1275 K Street, NW. Suite 300,
Washington. D.C. 20005 (202) 789-1310
Environmental Institute, a division of the Institute of International Research. 331
Madison Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212) 883-1770
Food Service and Packaging Institute, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 513,
Washington. D.C. 20036 (202) 347-3756
Glass Packaging Institute, 1801 K Street, NW, Suite 1105-L, Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 887-4850
Government Advisory Associates, Inc., 177 East 87th Street, Room 404, New York,
NY 10128 (212) 410-4165
Government Refuse Collection and Disposal Association, 8750 Georgia Avenue.
Suite 123, P.O. Box 7219, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 585-2898
Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 2425 18th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 (202)
232-4108
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., 1627 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
20006 (202) 466-4050
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., Mill River Plaza, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT
06902 (203) 323-9897
National Association for Plastic Container Recovery, 5024 Parkway Plaza Boule-
vard. Suite 200. Charlotte. NC 28217 (704) 357-3250
National Association of Counties. 440 First Street. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 393-6226
National Association of Towns and Townships, 1522 K Street, NW, Suite 730,
Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 737-5200
-------
National League of Cities, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 626-3000
National Oil Recyclers Association, 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW. Suite 1000,
Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 333-8800
National Soft Drink Association, Solid Waste Management Department, 1101 16th
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 463-6740
National Solid Waste Institute, 10928 North 56th Street, Tampa, FL 33617 (813) 985-
3208
National Solid Waste Management Association, 1730 Rhode Island Avenue, NW.
Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 659-4613
National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association, 12501 Street, NW. Suite 4000,
Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 789-2300
Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc., 1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington,
D.C. 20036 (202) 822-6424
Society of the Plastics Industry, 1275 K Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 371-5200. Also, the Council for Solid Waste Solutions, a program of SPI.
Steel Can Recycling Institute, Foster Plaza X, 680 Andersen Drive. Pittsburgh. PA
15220 (800) 876-SCRI
Technical Association for the Pulp and Paper Industry, 15 Technology Parkway
South. Norcross, GA 30092 (800) 332-8686
U.S. Conference of Mayors, 1620 Eye Street, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20006
(202)293-7330. Affiliate group: National Resource Recovery Association
-------
B
sritfKfBifB^X) Lj (E-JSkSS^FTr/^XcOTi
RCRA Procurement Hotline
(703)941-4452
M-F 8:30 - 5:30 (EST)
EPA Headquarters
RCRA Procurements
POC: Richard Braddock
(202) 382-2780
EPA Headquarters
POC: Terry Grist
Municipal and Solid Waste
Division
(202) 475-8518
EPA, Region III
POC: Andrew Uricheck
Waste Management Branch
(215)597-0982
GSA, Public Building Service
POC: Beverly Goldblatt,
Building Services Branch
Resource Recovery Program
(202)501-1456
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-------
GSA, National Capital Region
Building Services Branch
POC: Stanley M. Ismark,
Building Management Officer
(202)708-6948
GSA Region 3
Facility Management Branch
POC: George A.A. Shal
Chief, Facility Management
Branch
(215)597-1226
GSA Region 3
Contracts Branch
POC (MD, DE, VA, WV, KY):
Rosemary Bradley,
Contracting Officer
(215)597-5340
GSA Region 3
Contracts Branch
POC (PA, NJ):
Wayne Massado,
Contracting Officer,
(215)597-3486
Procurement
•
-------
Mr. Richard Folmsbee
Director, Solid Waste Mgmt, Dept.
of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control
89 Kings Highway
Post Office Box 1401
Dover, Delaware 19903
(302) 739-3820
Mrs. Susan Bush
Director, Division of Waste Mgmt.
ISReillyRoad
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Mr. Harry Benson
Chief, Office of Waste Minimization
and Recycling
Hazardous and Solid Waste
Management Administration
Department of the Environment
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
(301)631-3315
Ms. Aletha Spang
Administrator, Office of Recycling
Dept. of Environmental Protection
8500 Bear Tavern Road (CN414)
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0414
(609)530-4001
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-------
Mr. Carl Hursh
Chief, Waste Reduction and
Recycling
Division of Waste Minimization
and Ranning
Bureau of Waste Management
Fulton Building. Third and Locust
Streets
P.O. Box 2063
Harrisburg. PA 17105-2063
(717)787-7382
Mr. Michael Murphy
Recycling Program Manager
Dept. of Waste Management
Monroe Building 1 1th Floor
Richmond. Virginia
(804)371-0044
Mr. R. Kim Pritchard
Chief, Solid Waste Management
1356 Hansford Street
Charleston, West Virginia 2530 1
(304) 348-6350
Mr. George Jenkins
Recycling Coordinator
65 K Street. N.E.
Office of Recycling - Lower Level
Washington. D.C. 20002
(202) 727-5856
Procurement
-------
*Cashing-ln Through Recycling and a Multi-Material Recycling Theme Center." State
of California Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling, 1025 P Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Coca Cola Company, Recycling, A Corporate Approach, undated
"Developing A Comprehensive Federal Office Recycling Program," U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency, Office of Administration and Resources Management,
401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460 (202)382-6980
Franklin Associates, Ltd, An Analysis of the EPA Headquarters Waste Stream, March
10,1989
"The National Recycling Coalition Measurement Standards and Reporting Guide-
line," National Recycling Coalition, Suite 305,1101 30th Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20007
Recycled Products Guide, American Recycling Market, Inc., P.O. Box 577,
Ogdensburg, NY 13669 (800) 267-0707
Waste Age's Recycling Times, National Solid Waste Management Association,
Suite 1000,1720 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3196
PUBLICATIONS BY E.P.A.
401 M Street. SW. Washington, D.C. 20460
The documents listed below are available free. Please send your request to: RCRA
Docket (OS-305), USEPA, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.
Be An Environmentally Alert Consumer, EPA/530-SW-90-34A
The Environmental Consumer's Handbook, EPA/530-SW-90-034B
Recycle Today!, EPA/530-SW-90-025
Office Paper Recycling Manual, EPA/530-SW-90-001
Recycle. EPA/530-SW-88-050
Recycling Worksl, EPA/530-SW-89-014
Bibliography of MSW Alternatives, EPA/530-SW-89-055
How to Set Up a Local Program to Recycle Used Oil, EPA/530-SW-89-039A
Recycling Used Oil: What You Can Dol, EPA/530-SW-89-039B
-------
Recycling Used Oil: Ten Steps, EPA/530-SW-89-039C
Recycling Used Oil: Service Stations. EPA/530-SW-89-039D
Used Oil Recycling Bulletin, EPA/530-SW-89-006
Sites for Our Solid Waste, EPA/530-SW-90-019
Siting Promotional Brochure, EPA/530-SW-90-020
Report to Congress on Plastics: Executive Summary, EPA/530-SW-90-051A
Waste Minimization: Environmental Quality With Economic Benefits, EPA/530-SW-87-026,
October, 1987.
Environmental Fact Sheet: Plastics In the Marine Environment,
EPA/530-SW-90-017B
Environmental Fact Sheet: Plastics: Source Reduction,
EPA/530-SW-90-017C
Environmental Fact Sheet, Plastics: The Facts About Production, Use, and Disposal, EPA/
530-SW-90-017A
Environmental Fact Sheet: Degradable Plastics, EPA/530-SW-90-017D
Environmental Fact Sheet: Recycling Plastics, EPA/530-SW-90-029
Characterization of MSW Combustion Ash: Executive Summary,
EPA/530-SW-90-029
RCRA Info Center - How to Find Hazardous & Solid Waste Information, EPA/530-SW-67-023
Waste Minimization: EQW/B, EPA/530-SW-90-044
A Catalog of Hazardous and Solid Waste Publications, EPA/530-SW-89-054.
Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste In the U.S. 1960 to 2000
(Update 1988).
Promoting Source Reduction and Recyclability in the Marketplace. EPA-530-SW-89-066,
September 1989.
The Solid Waste Dilemma: An Agenda for Action, EPA/530-SW-89-019. February 1989.
Decision Maker's Guide to Solid Waste Management, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Office of Solid Waste, Washington, D.C. 20460
Yard Waste Composting: A Study of Eight Programs. EPA/530-SW-89-038, April 1989
-------
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Building #1
Largest three agencies
Agency representatives
Phone numbers
Total number of employees In building
Number of floors
Number of loading docks
Storage space near dock? (Y/N)
Adequate fire protection (Y/N) _
Existing recycling program? (Y/N)
Waste Removal
In-house staff
Contract staff
Pickup schedule
Daily
Weekly
M_
Number of containers
Capacity of containers
Recyclable materials:
Paper Cans
W_
TH_
Other
Current recycled materials
How much per wk./mo.
Participating floors
Number of boxes
Describe space available for central recycling
-------
Total Waste Generation
1
Ibs.
No. Employees (a)
Avg. Ibs. waste/
employee/day
Waste/day
-------
Waste disposal company?
Size and number of waste containers?
Frequency of pickups?
Is waste on premises? Cost of compactor?
Is compactor owned or leased?
Waste disposal cost per cubic yard?
Flat fee? Other?
This section should help the facility manager to assess the current
cost of waste disposal and whether the disposal bill reflects actual
service. It is possible that fewer pickups may be needed, resulting in
a reduced disposal bill. The waste hauler might also grant a credit if
the waste is compacted.
The cost/benefits worksheet on the next page will give the facility
manager an estimate of the costs and savings associated with office
recycling programs. Some programs have generated substantial
revenue, while others cost money but register trash disposal savings
to offset the cost of starting a recycling program.
-------
PRESENT DISPOSAL COSTS
MONTHLY
ANNUAL
Waste bilKs)
Confidential destruction costs
Equipment costs (trash cans, compactor, etc.)
Labor (janitorial)'
Revenue from any current recycling program
TOTAL DISPOSAL COSTS
AFTER PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
MONTHLY ANNUAL
Disposal costs adjusted downward
to reflect reduced service2
Coordinator's time
Central recycling containers
Publicity
Labor (extra janitorial or
collection personnel costs)
Compactor and related equipment
Installation costs (one time)
TOTAL COSTS
REVENUE
ANNUAL
White paper
Computer paper
Cans/bottles
Other credits
TOTAL CREDITS
NET RECYCLING PROGRAM COSTS
(TOTAL COSTS toss TOTAL CREDITS)
SAVINGS
Present disposal
costs
Net recycling
program costs
Net savings
costs
1 Assign only a percentage of your janitorial costs since the janitors provide other services besides waste removal
2 Estimate how much your recycling program wil reduce your waste stream, then call your disposal company to
find the cost of less frequent service or smaller bins
3 Call a few waste paper dealers to get the current price of waste paper. Be sure to ask the dealer for a price that
includes pickup services.
4 Refer to the Waste Audit (Appendx B) for the tons/month figure (e). Estimate how much of the total will be white
paper, computer paper, aria mixed paper.
CREDITS: This worksheet was adapted from the 'Justification Worksheet" designed by George Luker of National
Semiconductor. Santa Clcxa. California. ^^
SOURCE: Your Office Paper Recycling Guide. The San Francisco Recycling Program. A Division of the Solid Waste
Management Program. San Francisco. CA. 94102. (415) 554-6193. Jane Grossman (writer)
-------
TO: (Agency Name) Managers
FROM: Jane Doe, Office Manager
DATE: February 15, 1991
SUBJECT: Office Paper Recycling at (Agency Name)
Effective , 1991, a recycling program will be
implemented in (agency name). This program will be
very visible to both Federal employees and the citizens who visit
this building. Your employees will be given instructions of how to
participate and I trust you will encourage them in this endeavor.
The crisis in landfill availability, the waste disposal crisis, and
the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act of 1976, mandating
separation of office paper and newspapers require that all Federal
agencies support a recycling effort. This program also presents an
opportunity for every individual to participate in protecting our
environment.
By separating high grade office paper, this agency can recover more
than 50% of all waste leaving this building. By selling the paper,
the taxpayers, us, will benefit by having the proceeds returned to
the Government, and all citizens will benefit by reducing the volume
of waste in our landfills and the waste streams, thus protecting the
environment.
The program will be simple and effortless. A more detailed
presentation of what constitutes a high grade paper will be scheduled
later with attractive containers distributed to each employee to
facilitate the source separation.
It is requested that you, as a . '_ (manager) of your
division, appoint a responsible monitor and an alternate as your
contact with the agency recycling coordinator. The coordinator will
be available to provide guidance and training. Please provide this
coordinator with the support he/she needs to make this program a
success.
The (agency name) Office Paper Recycling Program
needs your full support to succeed. I look forward to your
cooperation and a successful recycling program in this (our)
building (s) .
-------
TO: (Company Name) Employees
FROM: Jane Doe, Office Manager
DATE: February 15, 1991
SUBJECT: Office Paper Recycling at
(Company)
Studies show that each office worker throws away an average of a half-pound of
recyclable paper everyday. That's the equivalent of ( tons) a year from our
office alone. This means that over ( trees) and ( gallons of oil) are
needed each year just to keep our office afloat in paper. We're starting a
recycling program to put this paper to better use. By recycling, we'll lower
our waste disposal costs, earn revenue from the sale of our paper, and do our
part to improve the environment. In addition, a portion of the revenue earned
from our program will go to ABC Charity.
Participation in this program will require only small changes in your daily
habit. You will be given a desk-top container for storing white paper and
computer paper. When your desk-top container is full, simply empty the
contents into the central container nearest to your desk. The location of the
central- containers will be:
NEXT TO ALL OF THE COPY MACHINES
ROOMS 200, 319 AND 452
OUTSIDE THE COFFEE ROOM
Please attend a short orientation to learn more about how the program works.
Three fifteen-minute sessions have been scheduled for March 1, 1991. The
sessions will start at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 1:30 PM. Your supervisor has a
sign up sheet.
Your participation in this program does make a difference! For every piece of
paper you recycle, you will:
. Protect the environment and save natural resources
. Conserve scarce landfill space
If you have any questions about the program, please contact JOHN SMITH at
X-4635. Thanks for your cooperation.
-------
waooiKnr in© wsa^aoffl ©©swfi)3so©8*®
Material
Newsprint, loose
Newsprint, compacted
Newsprint
Glass, whole bottles
Glass, semi-crushed
Glass, crushed (mechanically)
Glass, whole bottles
Glass, uncrushed to manually broken
PET, soda bottles, whole, loose
PET, soda bottles, whole, loose
PET, soda bottles, baled
PET, soda bottles, granulated
PET, soda bottles, granulated
Aluminum cans, whole
Aluminum cans, flattened
Aluminum cans
Aluminum cans one
Corrugated cardboard, loose
Corrugated cardboard, baled
Grass clippings
Used motor oil
Tire - Passenger car
Tire - Truck
Gaytord size most commonly used 40" x 48'
Volume
one cubic yard
one cubic yard
12" stack
one cubic yard
one cubic yard
one cubic yard
one full grocery bag
55 gallon drum
one cubic yard
gaylord1
30"x62"
gaylord
semi-load
30" x 42" x 48"
one cubic yard
one cubic yard
one full grocery bag
large plastic grocery bag
one cubic yard
one cubic yard
one cubic yard
one gallon
one
one
"x36"
Wt. in Ibs.
360-800
720-1,000
35
600-1,000
1,000-1,800
800-2,700
16
125-500
30-40
40-53
500
700-750
30,000
1,100
50-74
250
1.5
500-1,000
300
1,000-1,200
400-1,500
7
12
60
DRAFT National Recycling Coalition Measurement Standards and Reporting Guidelines
presented to NRC Membership October 31,1 989
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NOTES
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