Recyc ing
...for the future
It's everybody's business
-------
T/IZS brochure tdh the Stories of people across America who
have helped make recycling one of our greatest environmental successes.
But these stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Every day, thousands of
communities, companies and organizations are pitching in to reduce and
recycle waste. Their efforts help to strengthen our economy, protect our
environment, and ensure a healthier planet jor future generations.
Yet we must do more. Sorting our trash for recycling is the first step. But to
close the loop, we must go the next step by putting recycled material back
into productive use. The best way is to buy products made from recycled
material whenever we can.
Recently, President Clinton signed a "Greening the Government" Executive
Order strengthening federal efforts to "buy recycled." You, too, can help.
Please join me and the many other Americans who have taken the
National Recycling Challenge and pledged to use more recycled products in
our businesses and in our daily lives. Together, we can "close the loop" and
write the next chapter in the recycling success story.
—Vice President Al Gore
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0
ur goal as a nation must be to conserve our environment for future generations.
Recycling is one easy, practical way each of us can do that every day Thanks to the
efforts of people like you, America already recycles 27% of its waste. Through the
National Recycling Challenge, we aim to expand recycling across all sectors of the
American economy and achieve a 35% recycling rate by 2005.
Your business, your community, your agency, and your institution can help by expand-
ing an existing recycling program or by starting something new. When you join the
National Recycling Challenge, you will be asked to register your commitment by agreeing
to take actions in at least one of the following areas over the next year:
Improve Efficiency in Recycling: Reduce the cost of recycling for your organiza-
tion or community.
/\ Bolster Community and Economic Development Through Recycling: Start or
expand recycling-related jobs programs, re-use programs, and innovative recycling
financing programs.
Bring Forward Innovations in Recycling Through New Technologies,
Products, Policies, or Building Practices: Increase sales or production of a recy-
cled content product, increase recycling rates for your community/organization, use
recycled content for the new products for a building, or recycle your construction
and demolition project materials.
Promote Designs for Recycling: Design a product or process which increases
recycling or product recyclability
/\ Close the Recycling Loop: Buy recycled content products, manufacture recycled
content products, or become a steward of your product.
/\ Champion Outreach and Education for Recycling: Conduct training on recycling
and/or buying recycled to increase green purchasing.
We'd like to thank you in advance for participating in the National Recycling Challenge
and encourage you to spread the word. Working together, we can achieve our goal,
strengthen our economy, and leave our children and grandchildren a cleaner, healthier
environment.
George Frampton Fran McPoland
Acting Chair, Council on Environmental Quality Federal Environmental Executive
-------
for the future
IT'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS
ie odds arc that you already know a lot about recy-
cling, and that you participate at home, at work, or both.
"Stale of the art" recycling practices and programs are con-
tributing to the phenomenal economic and environmental
success of the set of inter-related actions which, together.
\ve call 'recycling." That success is built upon the daily
actions at home and at work of millions of Americans,
united in their dedication to work together to preserve the
environment for our children. Vice President Gore issued
ihc \cirioncjl Recycling Challenge on November 16, 1998—
asking all Americans to renew their commitment to con-
serve America's natural resources lor our children.
"Working together, Americans have increased recycling by
nearly 70'^ in six years." Vice President Gore said. "Today.
there is even more that we can do. 1 am challenging every-
one in our communities and all sectors of the economy to
join with us in partnership to promote recycling and to
buy and use recycled products."
This publication, together with a companion docu-
ment, RaTtliNg. ../(>/ thf fututc. Consult-/ the /'Cnc/iLs.
detailing the economic and environmental successes of
recycling in America, are resource tools for the \t((ic/u/l
Raveling Challenge. This brochure is intended to provide
each of us with some new ideas and concepts that have
been proven to work, so that we can take them, adjust
them, and experiment with them in our communities,
businesses, and daily lives, as we accept the Vice
President's Challenge. Just as an orchestra has many parts
that have to work well together, so too do the various
RECYCLING FOR THE FUTURE: IT'S EVERYBODY S BUSINESS
-------
components of recycling. In this pub-
lication, you will find a sampling of
success stories of various compo-
nents—all of which are needed to
make recycling really work: Efficiency
in Recycling, Community and
Economic Development Through
Recycling, Innovations in Recycling,
Design for Recycling, Closing the
Recycling Loop, and Outreach and
Education for Recycling. Just like the
balance and harmony among the
instruments that make up an orchestra,
the best recycling programs carefully
incorporate and balance afl compo-
nents. No one part is more important
than another, and none should be left
out. As you prepare to join with those
cited below in taking the National
Recycling Challenge, think of how your
town, your company, your institution,
or your agency can weave together its
recycling activities to fulfill the
promise recycling holds for our
children and the future they inherit
from us.
Recycling 35% of our trash will:
• Conserve enough landfill space to
serve the combined cities of Dallas
and Detroit 92 times over.
• Save enough energy to fuel 6 million
homes annually.
• Generate $5.2 billion in raw materi-
als for the economy every year.
• Expand recycling above the current
$100 billion and 1 million jobs in
the American economy.
• Reduce global warming emissions
equivalent to faking 36 million cars
off the road.
• Stimulate exciting new products and
technologies.
• Conserve our precious natural
resources instead of relying on non-
renewable resources to supply 94%
of the economy's needs.
RECYCLING FOR THE FUTURE: IT'S EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS
-------
efficienc
n recyc ing
I
Pay-as-you-throw
has helped
Loveland, CO
achieve high
recycling rates
since 1993
n order for recycling to work, municipalities and compa-
nies must continually find ways to drive costs out of their
systems and improve the quality and quantity of recovered
materials. In other words, we must continually strive to
improve the efficiency of all recycling operations. Redesigning
collection and processing systems to reduce overall costs and
enhance the value of recovered materials is one of the first
steps in improving efficiency. The use of full cost accounting
to determine what waste collection and landfilling really cost,
and the use of pay-as-you-throw systems to simultaneously
focus attention on avoided disposal costs and create incen-
tives for recycling and waste reduction, will also increase the
efficiency of any recycling program. These efforts contribute
to one of the central goals of the Challenge—to make recy-
cling even more economically and environmentally sound.
The Pay-as-You-Throw (PAYT) waste collection fee sys-
tem is an effective, market-oriented approach to reduce dis-
posal and increase collection of recyclables by creating
incentives for households and businesses to behave more
efficiently. Under this system, residents pay for waste
removal according to the volume of waste they generate for
disposal. Because recycling diverts material from the waste
stream and, thereby, reduces the community's overall waste
disposal costs, recycling becomes a way for households and
businesses to reduce their costs.
Athens-Clarke County, GA, home to the University of
Georgia, documented a 48% reduction in the amount of
solid waste disposed per residential household since FY92
as a result of implementing recycling and PAYT fee systems.
EFFICIENCY IN RECYCLING
-------
As one of the first county governments
in the State of Georgia to implement
PAYT, Athens-Clarke County took two
years to transition from property taxes
to monthly user fees for waste removal
services. The PAYT program, begun in
1995, includes both residential and
commercial sectors, and serves as a
PAYT model locally, nationally, and even
internationally.
Even if your community isn't ready
for "Pay-as-You-Throw," there are other
actions where efficient recyclmg saves
money directly: sale of recyclables and
avoided disposal costs.
From 1988 to 1994, garbage col-
lection costs in Contra Costa County,
CA, near San Francisco, more than
doubled from a monthly average
household bill of $12 to $26. At the
same time, the California legislature
mandated 25% and 50% waste diver-
sion goals by the years 1995 and
2000, respectively. In response to the
skyrocketing waste disposal rates as
well as the state recycling mandate,
five cities and the county formed the
Central Contra Costa Solid Waste
Authority to increase efficiency. This
With a little thought,
recycling can be easy even for
small businesses generating
non-conventional materials.
Parker's Exxon in Washington,
DC began recycling seven
years ago in order to reduce
its monthly trash bill. Today,
the gasoline station pays $40
less per month for trash dis-
posal and has found markets
for used oil and oil filters,
spent antifreeze, tires, metal
parts, and corrugated con-
tainers. It also trades in "core
parts," such as water pumps,
master cylinders, alternators,
and brake shoes for rebuild-
ing and purchases rebuilt and
remanufactured parts for use
in customers' vehicles.
EFFICIENCY IN RECYCLING
-------
single, regional agency solicited waste collection proposals from competing garbage
and recycling companies for eight-year garbage, recycling, and yard clippings fixed-
cost services contracts. As a result of rethinking the overall approach to waste man-
agement by consolidating contract administration, taking advantage of competition
and economies of scale, and negotiating fixed cost contracts, the Authority's 100,000
residents experienced a 27% reduction in garbage collection costs in just two years,
saving rate payers more than $12 million annually. Each agency is now diverting
between 37% and 54% of its waste from landfills by recycling.
Recycling in multi-family housing offers
challenges but also great potential to
reach high concentrations of residents
for education and participation,
-
Different types of housing in our communities can present challenges to recycling
effectively and efficiently. Recycling in multi-family housing, for example, offers chal-
lenges but also great potential to reach high concentrations of residents for education
and participation. It also allows for increased diversion of high quality recyclables with-
out increased transportation costs. Bellevue, WA enjoyed one of the highest single fam-
ily recycling rates at 61% in 1997, and perhaps the highest multi-family recycling rate as
well. In 1998, multi-family housing residents recycled 21.7 pounds of recyclables per
month per household. Bellevues Neighbors for Recycling volunteer program trains resi-
dents to educate the community about recycling. More than 500 residents have partici-
pated in Bellevues personalized outreach activities and today, 97% of multi-family
buildings in Bellevue participate in recycling.
EFFICIENCY IN RECYCtING
-------
George Washington University
constructed a new residence hall with
environmentally friendly specifica-
tions, including a High-Rise Recycling
System. This built-in recycling/trash
compactor system allows residents to
use the same chute for waste and
recyclables, while a mechanism below
separates the different recyclable
commodities. This system allows for
maximum efficiency and quality recy-
clables with minimal contamination.
When and where should you focus
your collection efforts for maximum
efficiency? You need to go either
where the waste is or when its there.
Virginia Tech Recycling in
Blacksburg, VA collected 50,000
pounds of corrugated containers
during its "Student Move-In '98" by
making corrugated collection sites
available at dormitories and student
housing facilities for the opening of
the school year. Madison, WI divert-
ed 24 tons of waste in one day by
organizing and publicizing a conve-
nient computer drop-off event.
Americans are nowhere near the
limit of recycling with our cur-
rent 27% national recycling
rate. Cities and counties in
every corner of the United
States are going way beyond
this rate.
• Falls Church, VA 67%
• Hamilton County, OH 63%
• Believue, WA
• Crockett, TX
• Burbank, CA
• Leverett, MA
• Ann Arbor, Ml
. Palo Alto, CA
• Hennepin County, MN 48%
. Chicago, IL 46%
. San Jose, CA 43%
• Colorado University 40%
. Berea College, KY 30%
61%
54%
53%
53%
52%
52%
EFFICIENCY IN RECYCLING
-------
communi
d
ana economic
develt
THROUGH RECYCLING
A
s the American economy continues its remarkable and
robust transition into the post-industrial era, more and
more jobs and opportunities will be concentrated in the
clean industries of the future. Community and economic
development through recycling can, and should be, one
engine of economic growth in our communities and is truly
a focal point of the National Recycling Challenge.
Government at all levels is helping communities to cre-
ate opportunities and jobs. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Jobs Through
Recycling program to help communities to build an infra-
structure to support new and existing recycling businesses
which process, manufacture, and sell recycled content prod-
ucts. Communities can use their home-grown resource of
solid waste as a feedstock for local industry. As part of this
effort, EPA has awarded $8 million in grants to 39 states, 4
multi-state organizations, and 5 Indian tribes. A review of
results shows that community development grantees have
helped recycling businesses create thousands of jobs, hun-
dreds of millions of dollars in capital investment, and mil-
lions of tons per year of capacity for using recovered materi-
als. A single project in California reports creating some
4,200 jobs, $17 million in capital investment, and more
than 8 million tons of material processed.
The Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Tomah, WI,
uses a recycling program at the VA Hospital to provide job
skills training to a diverse and motivated recycling crew.
With the revenue generated from its recycling operation,
various members of the Tomah community—including vet-
erans with disabilities, homeless veterans, students, dis-
8 COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RECYCLING
-------
)pment
placed older workers, community service clients referred through the court system, and
youth volunteers—are employed and trained in collecting, sorting, processing, and mar-
keting recyclables. These highly transferable job training skills are key to self-sufficiency
and a new beginning for many Americans.
Chicago focuses on economic development in the community by adding value to
the waste stream, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses. Under the award win-
ning Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) "Buy-Back" Program, the City "buys back"
recyclable materials from low income residents in 13 family developments and 28 senior
Community and economic development
through recycling can, and should be,
one engine of economic growth in our
communities.
centers by compensating them with vouchers redeemable at local grocery stores. The city
hires CHA residents to work on the recycling routes collecting materials. Last year, the
program collected 645 tons of recyclable material, a 160% increase over the previous year.
In an innovative effort to provide "gap" financing to enterprises that have not attract-
ed conventional financing, a unique partnership was formed between two non-profits,
Materials for the Future Foundation and Oakland Business Development
Corporation. The two community non-profits joined with the Alameda County Source
Reduction and Recycling Board to establish the Recycling Revolving Loan Fund. The
low interest loans allow recycling businesses both to finance business expansion and to
catalyze start-up market activity. The Recycling Revolving Loan Fund was established in
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RECYCLING 9
-------
1995 and has already loaned out $1.8 million to 15 businesses, leveraged over $4 mil-
lion in partner financing, created or retained more than 450 jobs, and diverted more
than 85,000 tons of materials per year. This is an excellent example of partnering in our
neighborhoods by using public funds, administered by local non-profits, to create jobs
and investment in the local community. One project alone, Pacific Steel in Berkeley, CA
received a $150,000 loan and leveraged another state loan of $700,000 to purchase a
sand recycling system for the mold making process at the foundry. This allowed for the
creation of 5 new jobs, retention of 350 jobs, reduction of annual sand purchases by
85%, and diversion of 8,000 tons of materials from disposal to recycling.
Every day, recycling is creating jobs in our communities. Based on a study for the U.S. EPA,
it is now estimated that 1 million Americans are working in recycling and remanufactur-
ingjobs in the United States, generating more than $100 billion in revenue in the economy.
Many of these jobs in recycling and remanufacturing have been in our communities
for decades. Perhaps we don't immediately think of them as part of the recycling indus-
try, but they are! For example, consider the company rebuilding water pumps or engines
for cars. More recently, consider how many computer rebuilding, re-furbishing, and re-
sale companies have popped up. Many people correctly regard the recycling and reman-
ufacturing industries as the "hidden giant" of the American economy.
Cardone Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA supplies remanufactured automotive
products, including a full line of brakes, electronics, motors, pumps, and steering, ride
control, and drivetrain components. Typically, a vehicle part such as a water pump has
internal parts housed within a metal or other casing; the internal parts wear out and
need to be replaced, while the housing does not. Remanufacturers refurbish the entire
part. What started out in 1970 as a four-man operation with one product line has
expanded until Cardone has over 3,800 employees, 39 product lines, and 2.5 million
square feet of remanufacturing operations. Its remanufactured products are built to the
same quality standards used to manufacture new parts. Consequently, Cardone provides
a better value to vehicle owners by offering remanufactured vehicle parts as much as
30% to 50% below the cost of new parts. By extending the life of products through
remanufacturing, Cardone is recycling thousands of pounds of natural resources, saving
energy and greenhouse gas emissions by keeping parts out of the resmelting process
longer, and keeping products out of landfills.
Communities and citizens also benefit directly from reuse of recyclables. Redistri-
bution of used material is considered by many to be the most efficient and highest end-
10 COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RECYCLING
-------
use of a used commodity, due to the
reduced energy and infrastructure
required to recycle the product. From
the smallest towns on the East coast to
the largest cities on the West coast,
everybody can reuse materials, and
everybody can benefit. Consider just
two examples.
The "Take It or Leave It" reuse pro-
gram in Leverett, MA recycles clothes,
books, paint, appliances, toys, paper
bags, tools, furniture, and other used
materials and redistributes these com-
modities back into the community. It
supports local enterprises ranging from
nurseries to farmers, small crafts opera-
tions, and other local businesses with
plastic planting pots, cardboard egg
crates, packaging materials, paint, and
used oil. In addition to its redistribu-
tion program, this small town with a
population of 2000 has achieved a 60%
recycling rate.
Likewise, LA SHARES, the worlds
largest non-profit materials reuse pro-
gram, has diverted more than 7,000 tons
of materials from overloaded local land-
fills and collects from more than 800
participating businesses. As a result, more
than $15 million in desperately needed
equipment and supplies have been pro-
vided to more than 2,500 non-profit
organizations, schools, and churches.
Recycling not only saves
lots of resources, it can even
be a tool to save lives. U.S.
Steel's "Gary Works" in
Indiana recycled more than
500 guns, including dozens of
rifles, sawed-off shot guns,
semi-automatic weapons, and
hundreds of hand guns into
refrigerators, cans, cars and
even framing for new homes.
Many of these firearms had
been used in crimes. So what
was once an instrument of
crime is now a weapon of
economic development.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RECYCLING
-------
innovation
n recyc ing
The National Park
Service constructed the
viewing platform at
t Old Faithful geyser
m plastic lumber
N
I ew processes, new designs, and targeted research and
development to enhance all elements of recycling are essen-
tial building blocks of the National Recycling Challenge.
Innovation can take many forms, whether in new technolo-
gies, creating or requesting new products, helping to shape
new policies, or adapting recycling to building projects. The
Challenge is designed to stimulate innovative recycling pro-
grams throughout the United States in all four areas. Such
innovations reap additional rewards beyond recycling in
areas as diverse as educational opportunities, job skill
enhancements, and new ideas and products which benefit
us at home and in the workplace. First, consider innovative
technologies and products.
Many plastic objects are difficult to recycle because the
type of plastic is hard to identify. It is important to separate
the various types of plastics from each other because even a
small degree of contamination in recycling facilities by look-
alike, but incompatible, plastics can ruin an entire load of
recovered material.
A device called the RP-1 Polymer Identification
System—developed by chemists at Purdue University and
marketed by SpectraCode—promises to change all that.
The instrument works like a bar-code reader that "reads"
the molecular structure of the material itself. The system is
helping to recover some of the billions of pounds of mixed
plastic that we lose to landfills and incinerators ever}- year.
The system takes less than one second to identify a piece of
plastic, meaning that one sensor has the potential to sort
through 500 tons of material a day.
12 INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING
-------
But what about recyclables mixed in with municipal solid waste? The U.S. Department
of Energy has awarded a Small Business Innovation Research grant to National Recovery
Technologies, Inc., to do research and development on computer robotics to recover
recyclables from waste intended for landfills. The technology allows for a human operator
to guide the sorting process while the drudgery of the physical sorting labor is assigned to
a robotic machine. With the RoboSort™ unit, testing has shown sorting rates of two to three
times greater per person than with hand sorting. Two pilots are under way to use remote
handling equipment to recover recyclables and reduce direct human contact with the waste.
Innovations reap additional rewards beyond
recycling in areas as diverse as educational
opportunities, job skill enhancements, and
new ideas and products which benefit us at
home and in the workplace.
What should vehicle owners who change their own motor oil do with all those
empty plastic lube oil containers7 Remember, there is always a little bit of oil remaining
in the bottle. AlliedSignal Federal Manufacturing & Technologies in Kansas City
developed a process that recovers clean oil from the "empty" container and turns the
container into chips for resale. Through a licensing agreement with Fix-Corp. Recovery
Systems for rights to the oil and plastic separation process, a prototype recycling unit is
INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING 13
-------
currently in operation in California. Based on an estimate of more than 2 billion
quart-sized plastic containers used in the United States each year, 230 million pounds of
discarded plastic and 14 million gallons of oil could be diverted from landfills. And even
better, the plastic is to be used to fabricate one-piece 100% postconsumer recycled plas-
tic pallets for use in shipping and storage. Now that's innovation in finding a new use
for an old waste!
A number of companies and other institutions have devised unique ways to solve
the problems presented by the glut of packing materials. Innovative recycling technolo-
gy developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Products Laboratory
and licensed to Gridcore Systems International, of Long Beach, CA, uses old corrugat-
ed containers (OCQ and other recycled fibers to make strong, light-weight, honey-
combed, engineered panels for use in furniture, and as interior walls, shelving, and
packaging. The U.S. Postal Service arranged for Gridcore to produce 5,000 recycling
containers from undeliverable standard mail. The containers will be used in post office
lobbies to collect recycled mail and other waste paper.
Innovation doesn't have to be limited just to high technology or products. Innovative
policies and practices are needed to meet the challenges of recycling. The University of
Wisconsin-Madison, implementing a state recycling law, demonstrated how legislative
innovations can help grow a nationally recognized recycling collection program. The
state law bans certain recyclables from landfills and creates a strong market environment
for recyclables. During 1997 alone, the university generated more than $125,000 in rev-
enue from recyclables and saved $92,000 in avoided landfill fees! With policies like this,
recycling can pay, even during periods of low market value.
Local considerations will often influence the kind of innovative recycling policy
needed. Chicago generates more than 55% of its waste stream from businesses and
high-density residential buildings. Those sources of waste present both challenges and
opportunities. In 1995, Chicago enacted an unprecedented high-density residential and
commercial recycling ordinance, which requires owners of these buildings to recycle at
least three materials or at least two materials if they also carry out at least one source
reduction measure. To boost compliance and achieve more recycling, the City also helps
businesses by conducting training seminars and offering recycling grants to the local
chamber of commerce. The recycling rate for multi-family, residential and commercial
buildings jumped from 28% to 38% as a result of this innovative policy. Last year, the
INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING
-------
City amended the ordinance to encourage businesses to recycle fluorescent and high-
density discharge light bulbs. In just one year, more than 86 tons of light bulbs were
collected—enough to light a building 123 stories tall!
In addition to its recognized "Pay-as-You-Throw" program, Athens-Clarke County,
GA established an innovative funding mechanism for its recycling collection program.
The County established a "put-or-pay" recycling contract with the private owner and
operator of the Recovered Material Processing Facility (RMPF). Under this unique public-
private RMPF partnership, Athens-Clarke County owns the land where the RMPF is
By undertaking environmentally and
economically sound building construction
and deconstruction practices, programs
have converted what would have
been thousands of tons of waste into a
valuable commodity
located and is required to put 775 tons of recyclables per month into the recycling facil-
ity or pay for any shortage. In exchange, Athens-Clarke County receives an 80% share
of the revenues generated from the sale of the recyclables delivered, which reduces its
overall costs. The County generates an annual $200,000 in revenue from the sale of
recyclables.
The amount of waste generated in a typical home improvement project or remodel-
ing project is staggering. Building-related construction and demolition debris accounted
for 136 million tons of waste generated in 1996. By undertaking environmentally and
economically sound building construction and deconstruction practices to facilitate
INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING
-------
recycling, the following programs have converted what would have been thousands of
tons of waste into a valuable commodity, while saving money and generating jobs. The
National Recycling Challenge will stimulate new innovations in this area.
The City of Los Angeles is reducing waste and promoting recycling on construction
and demolition projects. Since 1992, the City has conducted technical assistance, educa-
tional outreach, and best management practices programs for various city agencies to
recycle construction, demolition, and land-clearing (CDL) materials. Outreach activities
focus on city departments and the private sector building industry, and include
one-on-one planning for project recycling programs, distribution of technical resource
guides, seminars, and membership in industry organizations. The City developed a
specification for recycling CDL materials on all Department of Public Works projects.
This specification has served as model contract language for major private sector devel-
opments and municipalities throughout the United States.
The Los Angeles program has influenced dozens of major developers to recycle. The
Playa Vista entertainment, media, and technology district, for example, recycled nearly
75,000 tons of CDL materials during the demolition phase, achieving a 92% recycling
rate. The Staples Center Arena recycled more than 15,000 tons of CDL materials dur-
ing site development, achieving a 98% recycling rate. Los Angeles has produced a
"Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Guide," which lists more than 115 con-
struction and demolition materials recycling companies, and a "Resource Guide to
Recycled-Content Construction Products," which lists more than 125 manufacturers.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) established the Sustainable Architecture
Program to minimize the negative environmental impact of building renovation and new
construction. One of its key components is finding markets for used building materials.
To date, TVA has sold, donated, or reused $9.25 million of used building materials and
purchased $7.8 million of building materials that meet sustainable criteria.
"Helping to save the planet—one building at a time by creating living wage jobs to
recover and sell quality reused building materials" is the mission of the Green Institute's
Deconstruction Services. Located in Minneapolis, MN this firm has successfully recon-
structed houses and commercial buildings, thereby saving tons of waste from landfills
and thousands of dollars to clients. Items reclaimed and recycled range from lumber to
carpeting, from cabinets to appliances. The organization is committed to "urban devel-
opment through sustainable enterprise, job creation, and environmental education."
INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING
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Proving that "green" is good business, an innovative eco-smart hotel opened in
Philadelphia on January 27, 1999. The Sheraton Rittenhouse Square Hotel is located
in a building renovated under the direction of EcoSmart Healthy Properties, LLC and
takes a note from eco-hotels, winch have long been popular in Europe, offering guests a
wider variety of environmental amenities than just "smoke-free" rooms. Many U.S.
hotels have offered recycling or energy and water conservation for years, but this new
Sheraton contains other environmental attributes, too. For example, the lobby floor is
constructed with a material containing 93% recycled granite, the night tables arc made
Proving that "green" is good
business, an innovative
eco-smart hotel opened this year
and uses recycled content
products, including tables made
from recycled pallets.
from recycled shipping pallets, the carpet padding contains 100% recycled materials,
and worn carpeting will be recycled after removal.
Using plastic lumber in place of wood in building applications can provide signili-
cant markets for recovered plastics. The National Park Service used the equivalent of 4
million plastic milk jugs by constructing the 30,000 square foot viewing platform at the
Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park from plastic lumber. And the Army
Corps of Engineers worked with Fort Leonard Wood, MO to replace a wooden
bridge with a plastic lumber bridge, which used approximately 13,000 pounds of mixed
plastics. The bridge is expected to last 50 years, compared to the 15-year life of wood
bridges.
INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING
-------
cose
studi
es
The University of Colorado at Boulder has created
one of the most successful university recycling
programs in the nation. Although the landfill
tipping fee is only $20 per ton, the University still
succeeds in diverting 40% of its academic and admin-
istrative waste stream. The University recently retired
the debt on its $500,000 recycling facility with its
accrued disposal savings.
The recycling program at the University of Colorado
was launched as a student enterprise in 1976. In
1990, a Student-Administration Partnership for recy-
cling was formed. Students staff the on-campus recy-
cling processing center, prepare materials for market,
manage recycling contracts, and coordinate campus
outreach for the program. Facilities Management
employees coordinate a convenient desk-side pro-
gram, collect recyclables, and operate an efficient
trash disposal operation. In addition, over 15 intern-
ships, independent studies, and class projects are
sponsored each year.
The University of Colorado was a founding member of
the College and University Recycling Council. CURC is
affiliated with the National Recycling Coalition and
represents over 180 university recycling coordinators
nationwide. The group maintains an active web site
and listserver, facilitates discounts on recycling equip-
ment and recycled products, and conducts regional
workshops.
The University of Colorado is among a growing num-
ber of schools which are restructuring waste manage-
ment, empowering students, and harnessing
purchasing power.
UNITED STATES
POSTAL SERVICE
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of
the nation's leading recyclers, purchasing more
than $160 million worth of recycled content prod-
ucts every year. Postal purchases of paper and paper
products must meet or exceed minimum materials con-
tent standards, ranging from 20% to 50% recycled
content. Laser toner cartridges and toner ribbons also
contain recycled content (and cost 50% less than non-
recycled content products). USPS uses four million
recyclable plastic pallets, and new hampers and mail
containers contain 50% recycled material. Even the
waste containers for recyclable mail at the USPS's
20,000 recycling locations are themselves recyclable
and made with recycled content.
USPS is a national leader in the use of re-refined oil
and retread tires in its fleets. More than 100,000
postal vehicles currently use re-refined oil, and USPS
purchases more than 100,000 retread tires annually.
USPS also uses recycled materials in its retail products,
including stamps, pre-stamped envelopes, postal
cards, packaging materials, and Express and Priority
Mail envelopes. USPS also has developed innovative
programs to make pencils and compost from recycled
mail. Due to the success of its recycling program,
USPS's former disposal expense has become a revenue
generating business. Last year, USPS recycled 60%—or
one million tons—of its waste stream and generated
more than $8 million in recycling revenues and cost
avoidance through reduced trash hauling.
To close the loop, commodities such as toner car-
tridges, polystyrene packaging, circuit boards, wiring,
video/audio cassettes, and paint cans, in addition to
traditional recycled materials, are collected in recycling
programs across the nation.
USPS has become a national advocate of recycling. It
sponsors numerous recycling promotions throughout
the United States, including Clean Your Files Day and
America Recycles Day.
CASE STUDIES
-------
King County is recognized nationally for its cutting
edge, comprehensive approach to recycling. Its
Environmental Purchasing Program promotes
recycled content purchases within the County govern-
ment. Its Commission for Marketing Recyclable Materials
establishes partnerships and infrastructure for consumers,
businesses and other governments to buy recycled. And
its Solid Waste Division assists schools, businesses, and
residents with waste prevention and recycling.
Closing the Loop is King County's forte. The county
itself has purchased more than $2.5 million worth of
recycled products, resulting in a $600,000 savings.
The county's 1 2,000 employees and its contractors are
trained on the procurement policy requirements and
how to buy recycled. Not only does the County use re-
refined oil in its own fleets, but through its winning
"Shift Gears" program, 9,000 motorists and 1 25 auto
service shops were inspired to try re-refined oil.
King County's environmental purchasing web site and
frequent "Procurement Bulletins" serve as resources for
procurement officers and recycling coordinators
nationwide.
King County's focus on "Building for the Future"
inspired the Kingdome stadium to use recycled lumber
to secure the artificial turf. The County's Construction
Works program assists construction firms with waste
prevention, recycling, and sustainable building prac-
tices. King County's most recent product innovation
involves recycling 1 8 tons of glass into a pool filtration
medium at the King County Aquatics Center, a pool
where the U.S. Olympic Trials will be held next year.
Over 80% of County residents participate in curbside
recycling, resulting in a 50% diversion rate by 1995. At
least 400 community volunteers have been trained in
King County's Master Recycler Composter program.
And 24,000 preschool through high school students
are reached through King County's School Education
Program.
King
Washingt^ji
v\ \
© Bell Atlantic
With more than 41 million telephone access
lines, 7 million wireless customers, and •
142,000 employees worldwide, Bell Atlantic
provides advanced wireline voice and data and wire-
less services. It also is the world's largest publisher of
directory information. In 1997, Bell Atlantic purchased
1 10,000 tons of directory paper with more than 30%
posfconsumer recycled content, which provided a mar-
ket for over 33,000 tons of waste paper. Bell Atlantic
has set a target of 40% postconsumer recycled content
in its publication by 1998, which will provide a market
for 44,000 tons of waste paper.
In 1997, Bell Atlantic recycled more than 1 1 million
pounds of paper, 53,000 pounds of plastic, 43.2 mil-
lion pounds of metal, and 1 03,000 pounds of wood.
Each year, it saves $760,000 on waste removal costs
as a result of its office paper recycling program. Bell
Atlantic also generated $37.5 million in 1997 from the
sale of recycled metals separated from surplus or
obsolete telecommunications equipment that was not
reused, repaired, or sold.
When Bell Atlantic and NYNEX merged in 1997, the
company collected 45,000 pounds of old plastic sig-
nage from public phone booths for recycling. The
company will continue to collect old signage until all
967,000 pounds are gathered.
Bell Atlantic also changed its annual shareholders
report from a high gloss, magazine-type publication to
a "Plain Jane" facts and figures only report printed on
recycled content paper. While the cost of the recycled
content paper used in the publication was higher, the
cost of production was lower, so Bell Atlantic still
saved $1 million. Bell Atlantic also negotiated with its
supplier to reduce the cost of the recycled paper.
Subsequently, all shareholder information, dividend
checks, and reinvestment statements were printed on
recycled paper.
CASE STUDIES
19
-------
for recyc ing
C
I orporate product responsibility often includes designing
products to be recyclable. Early planning for recycling
opportunities during the initial design of products and the
production or construction process can quickly expand the
amount of materials recycled and make the inter-related
recycling processes work much more smoothly. "Design for
Recycling" focuses on setting up processes to enhance pro-
duction, reduce waste, reclaim resources, protect the envi-
ronment, and benefit the public. Designing products and
processes for recycling can help to reduce recycling costs
and is pivotal to the success of the National Rcrvvlmg
Challenge. Design for recycling practices include designing
products and packages so they can be easily recycled;
designing collection and processing systems to maximize
recovered material commodity values; and designing prod-
ucts to include recycled content. Here are just a few examples.
Compaq Computer Corporation, the largest global
supplier of personal computers, now designs its products to
minimize their impact on the environment. Design for
Environment/Recycling serves as a strategic tool at Compaq
for product planning, design, and manufacturing to develop
products that are energy efficient, easily upgradeable, recy-
clable, and reusable. By the time new products come off the
production line or prototypes are being tested. Compaq
designers have taken into account the entire life cycle of the
products. Today, with several million computers shipped
annually, Compaq takes additional measures to reduce
waste by building its computers to be recyclable, uses recy-
clable plastics, labels recyclable parts, and designs compo-
nents to make them easier to disassemble and recycle.
20
DESIGN FOR RECYCLING
-------
Led by members of its Recycling
Action Team, Ford Motor Company is
the first vehicle manufacturer to issue
worldwide automotive recycling guide-
lines to its engineers and parts suppli-
ers outlining ways to design autos for
recycling disassembly.
Ford's Sheldon Road Plant in
Plymouth, MI is the first known auto-
motive plant to design its process to use
recycled content plastic resin for all of its
output, using 5 million pounds of recy-
cled plastics annually to produce 24
million air conditioner parts for cars
and trucks. Ford has taken the lead on
the use of recycled materials for other
vehicle components also. Ford uses
more than 50 million soda bottles
annually to manufacture grille rein-
forcements, window frames, and trunk
carpets. These represent enough bottles
to cover a 400 acre lake from shore to
shore. More than 27 million square feet
of nylon carpeting are recycled and
used annually in the production of
engine cooling fan modules and air fil-
ter assemblies used in Ford automo-
biles. This is enough used carpet to
cover every floor of the World Trade
Center and the entire U.S. Capitol
Recycline, Inc., a retailer of
high-quality recycled products, has
developed a product that protects
our teeth and the planet. The han-
dle of the Preserve® toothbrush is
made from recycled polypropylene
and incorporates a unique design
to facilitate its recyclability. The
three ring gripping section is part
of the plastic handle, rather than a
separate rubber component, which
allows the product to be easily
recycled. Recycline provides a
postage-paid return envelope for
customers to send in their old
Preserve® toothbrushes for recy-
cling into plastic lumber. At
replacement rates of 2 times a
year, toothbrushes represent over
100 million pounds of plastic
waste a year that could be avoid-
ed. Now that's something to smile
about.
DESIGN FOR RECYCLING
-------
Motorola
designed a new
multi-use tray
that would hold
several different
styles of pager
housings and is
made of recycled
plastic.
Building complex. Ford also is the first company to manufacture its test vehicle fleet
with recycled parts.
Wellman, Inc., Bosch, and Ford Motor Company, partnered to develop and used
the first postconsumer nylon engineering resin derived from carpet into car parts.
EcoLon® was introduced in a fan and shroud for Ford's 1997 Windstar, meeting all
quality and cost requirements. This accomplishment allowed 1.6 million square yards
of carpet to be diverted from landfills in 1997. This year, Fords expanded use of
EcoLon® in various car parts will prevent 24 million square yards of carpet from being
landfilled.
In addition to designing products to be recyclable, manufacturers are changing poli-
cies, procedures, and even sales approaches to increase product recycling. Interface Inc.
uses a stewardship approach to furnishing carpet to customers by treating flooring mate-
rials as a "product of service." By the Interface definition, carpet is a "floor covering ser-
vice," rather than a purchased commodity. Under the Evergreen program, Interface
clients lease carpet rather than buy it, and Interface remains responsible for its upkeep,
removal, and reclamation, removing old carpet for recycling and replacing it with new
carpet indefinitely. Interface recycles the old carpet by pulverizing it and separating out
its key components, nylon and vinyl. The vinyl is recycled into new carpet backing. The
nylon is processed by outside companies who convert it into raw material for automo-
bile parts.
Motorola manufactures a wide variety of pagers, and each model had its own com-
ponent-unique packaging—an expensive feature which also required a lot of attention to
inventory. This packaging typically consisted of a plastic tray made of high-impact poly-
styrene—a material that is not readily recyclable—along with other surrounding protec-
tive packaging.
Because unanticipated shortages of particular styles of the multiple types of packages
were interrupting production, a team set out to reduce costs and at the same time
reduce the impact of the packaging on the environment. The team designed a new
multi-use tray that would hold several different styles of pager housings. During the tray
design process, the team also considered the overall impact to the environment. The
new tray is manufactured from 100% postconsumer recycled high-density polyethylene,
which, in turn, helps create a demand for recycled plastic in communities surrounding
Motorola's manufacturing facilities.
22
DESIGN FOR RECYCLING
-------
Motorola also made the trays lighter and thinner, reducing the amount of material
used. The new trays require less than 50% of the material that was needed to manufac-
ture the old trays. Motorola combined the lighter multi-use tray, a central database for
scheduling packaging and production needs, and an effective reuse system to create the
Compack packaging management system. The system significantly reduces costs, increas-
es efficiency, reduces packaging waste, and absorbs collected plastics from recycling pro-
grams in surrounding communities. Implementation of this system resulted in a savings of
$4.1 million in 1997 and eliminated a minimum of 250,000 pounds of packaging waste.
An increasing number of adhesives from pressure sensitive labels and stamps, glues
used on product samples, and other sources are contaminating otherwise recyclable
paper. Recognizing that its self-adhesive stamps are popular with customers but a conta-
minant to paper recyclers, the U.S. Postal Service's Postage Stamp Research and
Development Program is developing pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) and stamp
requirements that minimize environmental impacts by reducing waste and increasing
recyclability. To date, the Postal Service has developed a PSA stamp coil constructed
without a backing liner and is completing research on environmentally benign stamp
adhesives. This year, the Postal Service plans to issue a stamp printed on 20% postcon-
sumer recycled content paper and using the benign adhesive. It also plans to expand the
use of the new PSA to other Postal products and office products.
The UltraLight Steel Auto Body (ULSAB) Consortium was formed by the steel
industry to reduce the weight of steel auto body structures while maintaining their per-
formance, safety, and affordability—and continuing the steels recyclability. The ULSAB
structure is 36% lighter than comparable vehicles and the light truck structure for sport
utility vehicles and light-duty trucks is 19% lighter. Both designed structures have no
adverse impact on the recyclability of the steel and demonstrate improved performance
above and beyond manufacturers' performance standards.
To target new product design for recycling initiatives, IBM analyzes data identified
during the demanufacturing of computer equipment. Lessons learned at the end of a
product's life are communicated back to designers, enabling IBM to better design its
products for recyclability. Design guidelines include coding of plastic parts to promote
recycling, eliminating hard-to-remove labels and foams, minimizing plating and painting
of parts, minimizing the quantity of different materials used in a product, and avoiding
the use of incompatible materials.
DESIGN FOR RECYCtING 23
-------
the recycling loop
T
Fire & Light recycles
glass
into dinnerware
he three chasing arrows in the recycling symbol reflect
the three elements of the recycling system—collection,
processing, and buying recycled content products. When
we think of recycling, however, we usually think only
about putting recyclables at the curb or a drop-off center.
Limited markets for recyclables often present the greatest
barrier to successful, economically sustainable recycling.
When consumers and purchasing officials do not request
recycled products, manufacturers can not continue to
produce them. As a result, recycling coordinators are
unable to successfully and efficiently "close the loop"
with the materials they collect, because markets for those
materials shrink. By reinforcing the need to both manufac-
ture and buy recycled content products, we not only
support our community recycling programs but also
American businesses.
Producing and purchasing recycled content materials are
merely "flip" sides of the same coin—and that coin is the
same one that pays for your recycling program. Govern-
ment, industry, institutions, and each of us as individuals
and consumers—both at work and at home—need to com-
mit and take on the Challenge to build a stronger market-
place for recycled goods. When we purchase a recycled
content product, we are making a contribution to reducing
energy consumption, reducing pollution, building new
business opportunities, and conserving more of our natural
resources for our future generations.
In this section, you will see how communities, busi-
nesses, institutions, and agencies have aggressively
pursued buying recycled products; collected recyclables
24
CLOSING THE RECYCtING LOOP
-------
for production; produced highly
useful, economic everyday products
for our homes and businesses; gone a
"next step" into cooperative and joint
ventures that unite communities and
manufacturers/end-users to collect,
market, and utilize recyclables; or
gone the extra mile to becoming an
active steward of their product
throughout its life-cycle. You, too, can
use your buying power in the market-
place and make the goals of the
Challenge a reality.
PURCHASING
The Federal government has made
great progress in expanding markets
for recycled content products, espe-
cially paper. When President Clinton
signed Executive Order 13101 last
September, he committed the entire
Federal government to use printing
and writing paper containing a mini-
mum of 30% postconsurner recycled
fiber. Prior to the signing of the new
Order, use of recycled content paper
had risen from 19% in 1995 to close
to 70% in 1998.
The Warner Bros. Studios
Facilities located in Burbank, CA offers
"As the nation's largest
paper purchaser, the Federal gov-
ernment has a special responsibil-
ity to lead the way in building
markets for recycled goods. Since
1993, when I signed an earlier
Executive Order to promote recy-
cling, we have quadrupled our
purchase of recycled content
paper. Today, we are going the
next step. I am directing agencies
to ensure that as of January,
[1999] they will purchase only
recycled paper. Through this sin-
gle action, we will save hundreds
of thousands of trees, reduce air
and water pollution, and curb
emissions that contribute to global
warming. We will also harness
our tremendous purchasing power
to support the growing market for
recycled products."
—President Bill Clinton
CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP 25
-------
a good example of organizing to buy recycled products. The company-wide
Environmental Purchasing Policy instituted in 1993 requires all paper purchased by
Warner Bros, to contain 20% or more postconsumer recycled content. Colored paper,
script covers, file folders, hanging file folders, storage boxes, envelopes, adding
machine rolls, Post-it® notes, pencils, remanufactured toner cartridges, and a host of
other office supplies all contain recycled content. Most janitorial paper supplies are
non-bleached and have recycled content—many up to 95% postconsumer. Other recy-
cled content items purchased include automobile parking stops, re-refined oil for the
entire fleet, and plastic lumber truck stakes for production vehicles. In some building
renovation projects, Warner Bros, used drywall, sub-flooring and flooring materials,
insulation materials, and bathroom partitions containing recycled content. In order to
measure progress, Warner Bros, tracks purchases on monthly reports and continually
trains buyers on the policy and how to implement it in balance with price, perfor-
mance, and other criteria.
Sometimes a little help is needed to make good things happen, like in the City of
Ann Arbor, MI. The Ann Arbor Solid Waste Department set up a $50,000 annual
grant program to fund expanded uses of products made with recycled materials by
other City departments. Since 1994, the City has committed nearly the full $50,000
each year to support worthwhile, cost-effective projects to purchase recycled products
such as traffic cones, picnic tables, benches and bleachers, welcoming mats, carpeting,
floor and ceiling tiles, office supplies, boat docks, fishing piers, boardwalks, and even
recycled plastic kayaks. The Ann Arbor Solid Waste Department knows that by sup-
porting manufacturers of recycled content products, it is helping its own recycling col-
lection programs.
Academic and other institutions also are excellent models for buying "green." The
Environmental Contract Management program at Rutgers University uses purchasing
to take the lead in environmental achievements. Contracts encourage manufacturer and
vendor take-back programs and elimination and reduction of packaging. Under this pro-
gram, each of the University's contracts have been revised to contain language stipulat-
ing the vendor's responsibility to minimize or remove wastes. A model contract is avail-
able for similar institutions to emulate this innovative approach to procurement. Rutgers
also benefits from recycling contracts, saving nearly $2 million in 1993 by recycling
instead of landfilling.
26 CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
-------
Rutgers' purchasing office also redesigned its procurement process to engineer in
recycling. For example, its road and sidewalk maintenance contract requires that
roads and sidewalks contain recycled materials, including material recovered
during rehabilitation of existing pavements. Recovering this material avoids landfill-
ing costs.
What about a concentrated national program? Did somebody say McDonald's?™
Talk about buying power. In 1997, McDonald's McRecycle USA® program reached
a significant milestone. The program, which was launched in 1990, surpassed the
Modern re-refining removes all impurities
from used engine oil, producing a product
that meets or exceeds the same standards I • • "
as virgin oils.
$2 billion mark for purchasing recycled content products for use in U.S. restaurants.
In 1996 alone, McDonalds bought $369 million worth of recycled products in the
United States, a 13% increase since 1995. McRecycle USA® is now averaging
$265 million annually—almost three times the original commitment of $100 million
per year.
As part of its 1998 Earth Day Buy Recycled promotion, Boise Cascade Office
Products offered its customers up to an 80% discount on over 100 recycled content
office supplies, and an additional 40-50% discount on other recycled content products.
The company's 10,000-item catalog now features more than 1,400 recycled content
products, up from 68 featured products in 1991.
Modern re-refining removes all impurities from used engine oil, producing a prod-
uct that meets or exceeds the same standards as virgin oils. Safety-Kleen Corporation
and the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) teamed up to combine the sup-
CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
-------
ply of re-refined lubricants with the collection of used oil. This closed-loop program
supplies re-refined oil and, as an added value, provides the customers with pick-up of
their used oil. The closed-loop program reduces costs by eliminating the need for two
contracts—one for buying re-refined oil and one for disposing of it. Also, this pro-
gram specifies that the used oil will be re-refined, which allows the oil to be used
repeatedly. Since the program was initiated in June of 1997, some 90,000 gallons of
oil have been picked up and re-refined.
Recovered paper now supplies 36.5% of
the American paper industry's fiber needs
and is used in all types of paper products,
from office papers to newsprint to tissue
products to paperboard and packaging.
MANUFACTURING WITH RECYCLABLES
Recovered paper now supplies 36.5% of the American paper industry's fiber needs
and is used in all types of paper products, from office papers to newsprint to tissue
products to paperboard and packaging. At Union Camp's Fiber Recycling Plant in
Franklin, VA, more than 400 tons of mixed office paper, the equivalent of 80 million
sheets of 8.5" x 11" paper, can be processed daily. From that, 300 tons of 100% post-
consumer pulp is made for producing recycled content business and printing papers
and bleached paperboards. Union Camp recently increased the recycled content of its
Great White® office papers to 30% postconsumer to meet federal purchasing require-
ments. In 1997, to increase markets for Great White, Union Camp started the Great
White Consumer Products Business™, which sells to home and small office paper
28 CtOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
-------
users who make their purchases through retail outlets, mail order catalogs, and via the
Internet.
Fire & Light of Arcata, CA, devised a solution to where to send the glass collected
in its rural community. The company is using crushed glass cullet from bottles collected
by local recycling programs to create plates and bowls. By recycling glass into beautiful
dinnerware, Fire & Light creates a market for 1,000 pounds of recycled glass a day.
Waste building materials are also finding a new life. Waste Reduction Products,
Corp. (WRPC) of Goldston, NC, recycles the large flow of wallboard scrap generated
by the mobile and modular home factories located in the state. Commercial and residen-
tial builders are now working with community landfill operators to segregate and collect
wallboard scrap. The WRPC recycling plant processes this scrap into gypsum materials
suitable for use in home gardening, lawn care, golf course maintenance, spill absorbents
for industry, animal waste management, and cat litter.
A number of manufacturers have been aggressive in using recycled materials for
manufacturing carpet. Since 1991, Talisman Mills of Mequon, WI has been manufac-
turing Envirolon™ carpet with fiber created from the plastics in soda bottles. The
product has been in use in high traffic areas such as the Hennepin County
Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN and the Department of Housing and
Urban Development headquarters in Washington, DC. Collins and Aikman floor-
coverings of Dalton, GA is recycling old carpet to make backing for new carpet which
outperforms virgin materials and is covered by a 15-year warranty. There are now
thousands of installations worldwide, including Fortune 1000 companies, using the
carpet. Companies purchasing carpet with recycled content backing from Collins and
Aikman include Compaq Computers, Orioles Park at Camden Yards, Hallmark
Corporation, Zales Corporation, Computer Associates, Gateway Computers, and
The Gap. Image Industries of Armuchee, GA manufactures recycled content carpet
using more than 8 million soda bottles daily. Every 125 square yards of Image car-
pet—the amount needed to carpet a typical 1,500 square foot home—uses about
3,000 plastic bottles.
Sonoco, one of the worlds largest manufacturers of packaging materials for industri-
al and consumer markets, aggressively re-collects its own products as a source of raw
materials for manufacturing—notably, those zillions of plastic shopping and grocery
bags we all have stashed around our homes. An astonishing 60% of the raw material
By recycling glass
into beautiful
dinnerware, Fire
& Light creates a
market for 1,000
pounds of recy-
cled glass a day.
CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
29
-------
A deck in
Michigan is
made from
Trex's weed-plas-
tic composite
lumber.
feedstocks Sonoco uses in making its products are recovered materials. As the largest
manufacturer of plastic grocery and shopping bags in the United States, Sonoco was the
industry pioneer in introducing recycling systems for this product and supports the
recycling efforts of 7,500 grocery stores across the country, which collect as much as a
million pounds of bags in a single month.
Okay, that takes care of a lot of the recovered plastics bags, but what about the rest?
Trex Company, LLC of Winchester, VA uses the recovered plastic grocery bags to man-
ufacture wood-plastic composite lumber. Trex mixes 50% recycled plastic film with 50%
Trex Company of Winchester, VA uses
recovered plastic grocery bags to
manufacture wood-plastic composite
lumber such as the deck shown here.
waste wood fiber to produce composite lumber for outdoor deck surfaces and landscap-
ing ties. Over 1000 dealers nationwide carry the product, which has been approved for
use in residential and commercial structures across North America.
Walls from wheat? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has helped to commer-
cialize several building materials containing post-harvest wheat straw, which has
traditionally been of little use or value. Agriboard Industries, Inc. of Electra, TX
manufactures a load bearing wall panel of compressed wheat straw. Primeboard, Inc.,
of Whapeton, ND, makes a high quality particle board from 100% wheat straw that is
used to construct cabinets and other furniture. The board contains no noxious binders
and does not off-gas like many wood-based particle boards. Phoenix Bicomposites of
Mankato, MM, produces Environ®, a decorative product used for table and counter
tops, flooring, and wall coverings. Environ is made from soybean meal and waste
newspaper.
30
CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
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COOPERATIVE MARKETING OF RECYCLABLES
The State o£ Washington established the CWC, formerly the Clean Washington Center,
in 1991 to increase the use and value of materials recovered from the waste stream.
CWC partners with business, industry, and local governments to expand state-wide
recycling infrastructure and offers technical assistance in four areas: business develop-
ment, technology and engineering, marketing recycled content products or services, and
policy research and analysis for businesses and government agencies. CWC's efforts to
expand recycling businesses have attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in capital
investment to projects in Washington, which generate millions of dollars in state and
local annual tax revenue and provide both blue collar and management job opportuni-
ties across the state.
The Central Texas Recycling Association (CTRA) has made a business of bring-
ing together a number of small sources of recyclables to sell their merchandise more
effectively and for better prices. CTRAs program promotes the development of end
markets for Texas recyclables and disseminates public education about recycling. CTRA
supports rural communities in their recycling efforts by offering assistance in negotia-
tion and administration of market contracts, public education, grant-writing, equip-
ment loans, supplies, labor, volume purchasing, economic development, data collection
and record keeping, cooperative marketing system, and statewide and national network
opportunities.
During 1997, CTRA sold almost 4,000 tons of material for its members. This trans-
lated into saving more than 15 million kilowatt hours of electricity and preventing 110
tons of air pollution and 11,000 cubic yards of waste—enough to divert 550 garbage
trucks from landfills. And on top of that, member communities profited from more
than $165,000 in net revenue from sales through CTRA contracts.
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP FOR RECYCLING
Demonstrating product responsibility, some manufacturers are taking back their prod-
ucts, once they've become somebody elses waste, and using them as a resource for
their manufacturing operations. Manufacturers also are actively putting infrastructure
and policies in place to make sure they get these resources back. The Rechargeable
Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), for example, takes back nickel cadmium
(Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries from more than 25,000 retail collection sites in the
CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP 31
-------
The Rechargeable
Battery Recycling
Corporation collects
rechargeable
batteries from
more than 25,000
retail sites.
United States and Canada and reclaims the materials for new batteries. The reclaimed
nickel is processed into a metal alloy that is used in stainless steel production, while
the cadmium is purified and used in the manufacturing of new Ni-Cd batteries. RBRC
also provides communities, businesses, and public agencies information to operate
Ni-Cd battery collection programs and pays all recycling costs.
Last year, Armstrong World Industries of Lancaster, PA, introduced the Ceilings
Reclamation Program, a process designed to reduce costs and save landfill space by
diverting used ceiling panels from renovation projects to Armstrong plants, where the
Demonstrating product responsibility,
some manufacturers are taking back their
products, once they've become somebody
else's waste, and using them as a resource
for their manufacturing operations.
tiles are recycled into new ceiling panels. The first-of-a-kind recycling program
was successfully tested during a 1997 renovation project at the Microsoft campus in
Redmond, WA; 150,000 square feet of mineral fiber ceiling panels weighing 86 tons
were re-ground and processed into new ceiling tile. These tiles, which can contain up to
79% recycled content, generated a savings of 52% for Microsoft compared to landfill
fees. If landfilled, the cost for disposal would have been more than $8,000.
Xerox maintains a strong corporate policy on protecting the environment, includ-
ing a commitment to producing waste-free products in waste-free factories, thereby
minimizing the impact Xerox has on the Earth and its limited resources. Xerox
believes that designing for the environment not only conserves resources, but reduces
costs and pleases customers. Xerox's Document Centre 265 is a "zero landfill" product;
32 CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
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since 98% of the products parts are recyclable in some way, with 80% of the compo-
nents being fully remanufacturable. Purchasers of the Document Centre 265 can
return replaceable units, at Xerox's cost, and the company will reuse or recycle the
parts and components.
Xerox incorporates product recovery into its business operations. New products are
designed to be recycled or remanufactured. During the 1990s, Xerox remanufactured
equipment and print and copy cartridges and recovered toner cartridges for reuse or
recycling. In 1997, Xerox remanufactured equipment from more than 30,000 tons of
returned machines, without any loss in quality. Xerox also provides customers with pre-
paid return labels so they can ship back their used print and copy cartridges in the
packaging from new cartridges. The returned cartridges are then remanufactured to the
same quality standards as new ones. In 1997, Xerox's print and copy cartridge return
rate reached 65%—the industry benchmark.
Since 1990, Canon USA has helped businesses, municipalities, and agencies achieve
their waste diversion goals by collecting more than 25 million Canon toner cartridges for
recycling and reuse at its Virginia facility. If the cartridges were laid side-by-side, they
would cover an area the size of Washington, DC more than three times over. At the same
time, Canon achieved an extraordinary 91% monthly recycling average of its manufactur-
ing waste at its Virginia subsidiary, which receives between 20,000 and 30,000 car-
tridges per day.
IBM Endicott's Asset Recovery Center (ARC) has processed about 35 million
pounds of old and returned equipment for reusable and recyclable content annually
since 1994. Equipment is received and sorted for reuse of parts in field service pro-
grams and machines, resale of industry standard parts, and recycling by material con-
tent. ARC has increased reuse to 38.2%, while greatly reducing the amount of non-
recyclable materials going to landfills—from 13% in 1994 to just 3.5% last year!
Additionally, Endicotts Aurora Project, begun last year, is linking industry, local
government, and academia in an alliance that is investigating opportunities to reuse
and recycle traditional waste materials such as paper, glass, plastic, and industrial
byproducts.
CLOSING THE RECYCLING LOOP
33
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and education
FOR RECYCLING
I
A Burbank, CA
school teaches
children that they
can reduce, reuse,
and recycle 85%
of their lunch
waste
t's simply not enough that only those "in the know" under-
stand why we as a nation must recycle and how recycling is
helping to secure our children's future. We must make a con-
certed effort to get the word out about why we are recycling
and why we need to do more across all components of recy-
cling. The National Recycling Challenge is for everyone, and
the only way to get everyone involved is to let them know the
importance of their everyday actions. Improved access to
facts and news invigorates and enables people to find new
and better ways to benefit the environment through recycling.
Educational programs on the environmental and economic
benefits of recycling can help people understand the reasons
recycling contributes to their welfare and the welfare of their
children. Increasing awareness translates into more active and
effective participants in increasing recycling, purchasing
recycled content products, and supporting recycling initiatives.
Awareness is brought about by many efforts and by many
groups—from schools and government agencies to non-profit
organizations and businesses—involved in promoting the
recycling and "buy recycled" message. In fact, many of the
businesses and communities mentioned here are members
of the U.S. EPAs WasteWise partnership program and/or
the National Recycling Coalitions Buy Recycled Business
Alliance. Currently, more than 850 companies receive tech-
nical assistance and recognition through these programs.
In 1995, at the direction of President Clinton, the Office
of the Federal Environmental Executive established the
White House Closing the Circle Awards Program to encourage
Federal agency innovation in implementing waste preven-
tion, recycling, and "green" procurement activities. These
34 OUTREACH AND EDUCATION FOR RECYCLING
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awards not only highlight the Admin-
istration's commitment to environmental
excellence in government, but also show-
case model Federal programs and facilities
and encourage further endeavors by the
federal sector, public institutions, and the
private sector.
Pennsylvania turned to television to
inform citizens about the states environ-
mental programs. The Environmental
Fund for Pennsylvania, in conjunction
with the state Department of Environ-
mental Protection, produces the television
series, "GreenWorks for Pennsylvania." The
February, 1999, episode shows viewers
how to buy recycled content products and
features some of the products made by the
more than 130 Pennsylvania manufacturers
that use recycled materials in their products.
Todays school child learns four R's—
Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic, and Recycling!
Recently, the Wasteless Lunch pilot pro-
gram at a Burbank, CA school incorporat-
ed a sophisticated process that teaches
children that they can reuse, recycle and/or
compost up to 85% of their lunch waste.
When lunchtime is over, the children exit
in a reverse cafeteria style, disposing of
their lunch waste in the appropriate recy-
cling and composting bins.
Are the American people hearing
the message about the necessity of buying
recycled? Since 1997, millions of Ameri-
cans have celebrated "America Recycles
Day" (ARD) on November 15. This nation-
al environmental partnership effort is
aimed at increasing purchases of recycled
products, increasing nationwide media
attention, and promoting public support
from every sector for recycling and waste
reduction. ARD reminds people that setting
materials out at the curb is only the first
step in recycling. They must also look for
and buy products made from materials
collected in their recycling programs.
Under this program, businesses, industry,
government agencies, schools, and civic
and environmental groups organize spe-
cial events, educational campaigns, and
incentive programs.
In 1998, 45 states and 2 U.S. territories j
celebrated with more than 4,000 events
across the nation to promote the social
and economic benefits of recycling. Vice
President Al Gore promoted the event and
served as the Honorary Chairman of the
campaign.
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION FOR RECYCLING 35
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is everybody's business
e hope that this compendium of success stories, drawn
from the many, diverse efforts across the country to make recycling
work for all of us, will inspire you to join with Vice President Gore
in committing to the National Recycling Challenge. From waste
efficiencies to new innovations in recycling technology, more
organizations than ever are making exciting progress in recycling
and using recycled materials and recycled content products. If
you are recycling at home and in the workplace, your contribu-
tions will continue to benefit your community and our country
by conserving resources and stimulating our economy—produc-
ing real goods and real jobs. But there is more that can and must
be done. If you wish to do more. Vice President Gore's Nafional
Recycling Challenge is your opportunity to step forward and
make a difference for our children and the environment.
Join with your neighbors and colleagues by taking the Challenge.
Visit our web site, www.ofee.gov, where you can learn more about:
• Economic and environmental benefits in Recycling... for the
future: Consider the benefits.
m Success Stories—get more information about any of the firms,
institutions, or government agencies and programs described
in this brochure, along with web sites and contacts.
• "America Recycles Day"— with its emphasis on buying recycled.
• The National Recycling Challenge—learn more about the
Challenge, including what other persons have committed to do.
Remember, we are now recycling 27% of the municipal solid
waste generated in the United States—more than double the
recycling rate 15 years ago. Our national policy is to reach a
35% municipal solid waste recycling rate. Recycling 27% of our
waste now fills enough recycling bins to stretch three-quarters of
the way between the earth and the moon. Please sign up to do
your part to get us the rest of the way there.
36
RECYCLING IS EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The White House Task Force on Recycling gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the fol-
lowing individuals to the development of this publication:
Ms. Dana Arnold, U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste
Mr. Ron Buckhalt, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Mr. Bradley Campbell, Council on Environmental Quality
Mr. Truett DeGeare, U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste
Mr. John Evett, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Dr. William Ferretti, National Recycling Coalition
Dr. Ron McHugh, U.S. EPA, Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances
Mr. Edgar Miller, National Recycling Coalition
Mr. David Rejeski, U.S. EPA, Office of Economy and Environment
Ms. Alisa Stone, ORISE
The White House Task Force on Recycling also is very grateful to U.S. EPA for providing publica-
tion assistance and to Eastern Research Group, Inc., Arlington, VA, for graphic design services.
How to Take the National Recycling Challenge
America's children need your help to secure the environment for their future. You can
make your commitments by taking the National Recycling Challenge. Submit two to
three paragraphs to the White House Task Force on Recycling at:
"fran.mcpoland@ofee.gov". The first paragraph should include information about
your organization's recycling accomplishments. The second and third paragraphs
should include your new commitment to the Challenge. Please be sure to include,
along with your organization's name, a contact name, phone and fax numbers and
e-mail address.
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