CONSOLIDATED RECOVERED
MATERIALS ADVISORY NOTICE
(RMAN) FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE
PROCUREMENT GUIDELINE (CPG)
Compiled December 1997
(Revised March 1998, June 1998, January 2000)
EPA530-R-02-017
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office Of Solid Waste
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CONSOLIDATED RECOVERED MATERIALS ADVISORY NOTICE (RMAN)
EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) designates recycled content products that
government agencies should buy. EPA publishes purchasing guidance and recommendations for recycled
content levels in Recovered Material Advisory Notices (RMANs) that accompany each CPG, and
updates its guidance annually. For the convenience of procurement officials, this document represents a
compilation of the five RMANs published by EPA to date. The Federal Register citations are as
follows:
RMAN I: 60 FR 21386, May 1, 1995
Paper Products RMAN: 61 FR 26986, May 29, 1996
RMAN II: 62 FR 60995, November 13, 1997
Paper Products RMAN II: 63 FR 31214, June 8, 1998
RMAN III: 65 FR 3082, January 19, 2000
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EPA has designated a total of 54 items in eight product categories, as follows:
Paper and Paper Products
Printing and Writing Papers
Newsprint
Sanitary Tissue Products
Paperboard and Packaging
Miscellaneous Paper Products
Vehicular Products
Lubricating Oil
Retread Tires
Engine Coolants
Construction Products
Building Insulation
Structural Fiberboard
Laminated Paperboard
Cement and Concrete with Coal Fly Ash
Cement and Concrete with Ground
Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Polyester Carpet
Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks
Shower and Restroom
Dividers/Partitions
Consolidated and Reprocessed Latex
Paint
Carpet Cushion
Flowable Fill
Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces
Transportation Products
Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Parking Stops
Channelizers
Delineators
Flexible Delineators
Park and Recreation Products
Playground Surfaces and Running
Tracks
Plastic Fencing
Park Benches and Picnic Tables
Playground Equipment
Landscaping Products
Hydraulic Mulch
Yard Trimmings Compost
Garden and Soaker Hoses
Lawn and Garden Edging
Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers
and Posts
Food Waste Compost
Non-Paper Office Products
Office Recycling Containers
Office Waste Receptacles
Plastic Desktop Accessories
Toner Cartridges
Binders
Plastic Trash Bags
Printer Ribbons
Plastic Envelopes
Solid Plastic Binders
Plastic Clipboards
Plastic File Folders
Plastic Clip Portfolios
Plastic Presentation Folders
Miscellaneous Products
Pallets
Sorbents
Industrial Drums
Awards and Plaques
Mats
Manual-grade Strapping
Signage
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Contents
I. General Recommendations
Part A ~ Definitions
Part B Specifications
Part C ~ Affirmative Procurement Programs
II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items
Part A ~ Paper and Paper Products
Section A-l ~ Printing and Writing Papers
Section A-2 ~ Newsprint
Section A-3 ~ Sanitary Tissue Products
Section A-4 ~ Paperboard and Packaging
Section A-5 ~ Miscellaneous Paper Products
Section A-6 ~ Other Recommendations for Paper and Paper Products
Section A-7 Definitions
Appendix A-l ~ Example Calculation of Postconsumer Fiber Content of a Corrugated Container
Part B ~ Vehicular Products
Section B-l - Lubricating Oil
Section B-2 ~ Retread Tires
Section B-3 ~ Engine Coolants
Part C Construction Products
Section C-l ~ Building Insulation
Section C-2 ~ Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard
Section C-3 ~ Cement and Concrete
Section C-4 ~ Polyester Carpet
Section C-5 ~ Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks
Section C-6 ~ Shower and Restroom Dividers/Partitions
Section C-7 ~ Reprocessed and Consolidated Latex Paints
Section C-8 ~ Carpet Cushion
Section C-9 - Flowable Fill
Section C-10 - Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces
Part D Transportation Products
Section D-l ~ Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Section D-2 ~ Parking Stops
Section D-3 ~ Channelizers, Delineators, and Flexible Delineators
111
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Part E Park and Recreation Products
Section E-l ~ Playground Surfaces and Running Tracks
Section E-2 ~ Plastic Fencing Containing Recovered Plastic
Section E-3 ~ Park Benches and Picnic Tables
Section E-4 - Playground Equipment
Part F Landscaping Products
Section F-l ~ Hydraulic Mulch
Section F-2 ~ Compost Made from Yard Trimmings and/or Food Waste
Section F-3 ~ Garden and Soaker Hoses
Section F-4 - Lawn and Garden Edging
Section F-5 ~ Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts
Part G Non-Paper Office Products
Section G-l ~ Office Recycling Containers and Office Waste Receptacles
Section G-2 ~ Plastic Desktop Accessories
Section G-3 ~ Toner Cartridges
Section G-4 ~ Binders
Section G-5 ~ Plastic Trash Bags
Section G-6 - Printer Ribbons
Section G-7 ~ Plastic Envelopes
Section G-8 ~ Solid Plastic Binders, Clipboards, File Folders, Clip Portfolios, Presentation Folders
Part H ~ Miscellaneous Products
Section H-l ~ Pallets Containing Recovered Wood, Plastic, or Paperboard
Section H-2 ~ Sorbents
Section H-3 - Industrial Drums
Section H-4 ~ Awards and Plaques
Section H-5 - Mats
Section H-6 ~ Manual-grade Strapping
Section H-7 ~ Signage
IV
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I. General Recommendations
Part A Definitions
As used in this Recovered Materials Advisory Notice:
Act or RCRA means the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C 6901 et seq;
Federal agency means any department, agency, or other instrumentality of the federal government; any
independent agency or establishment of the federal government including any government corporation;
and the Government Printing Office;
Person means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation (including a government
corporation), partnership, association, federal agency, State, municipality, commission, political subdivision
of a State, or any interstate body;
Postconsumer material means a material or finished product that has served its intended use and has been
diverted or recovered from waste destined for disposal, having completed its life as a consumer item.
Postconsumer material is a part of the broader category of recovered materials:
Postconsumer recovered materials, for purposes of purchasing paper and paper products, is a subset of
the broader term recovered materials, as defined in RCRA section 6002(h), and means:
(1) Paper, paperboard, and fibrous wastes from retail stores, office buildings, homes, and so forth, after
they have passed through their end-usage as a consumer item including: used corrugated boxes; old
newspapers; old magazines; mixed waste paper; tabulating cards and used cordage; and
(2) All paper, paperboard, and fibrous wastes that enter and are collected from municipal solid waste;
Procuring agency means any federal agency, or any State agency or agency of a political subdivision of a
State, which is using appropriated federal funds for such procurement, or any person contracting with any
such agency with respect to work performed under such contract;
Recovered materials means waste materials and byproducts which have been recovered or diverted from
solid waste, but such term does not include those materials and byproducts generated from, and commonly
reused within, an original manufacturing process.
Part B ~ Specifications
EPA recommends that federal agencies review and revise their product specifications with a view to
eliminating unnecessary stringency as well as requirements which bear no relation to function in order to
allow for the use of recovered materials. Specifications that bear no relation to function should be revised
according to the agency's established specifications review procedures. EPA further recommends that,
in reviewing an existing specification's provisions pertaining to function, federal agencies refer to existing
voluntary standards and research by organizations such as the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
[GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS] 1-1
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(AASHTO), the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), and the American
Institute of Paper Chemistry.
Federal agencies that reference Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs) or appropriate industry standards
should continue to reference them when purchasing designated items. However, agencies should review
or modify CIDs and industry standards, as appropriate, to be certain that the use of recovered materials is
allowed.
Under RCRA section 6002, federal agencies need not revise specifications to allow or require the use of
recovered materials if it can be determined that for technical reasons, for a particular end use, a product
containing such materials will not meet reasonable performance standards. EPA recommends that
federal agencies document such determinations and that the determination be based on technical
performance information (including any product testing) pertaining to a specific item or application. EPA
further recommends that federal agencies reference such documentation in the contract files for
subsequent procurement of the specific item.
In most cases, for the items designated in the CPG, EPA has recovered materials content levels for
specific types or grades of items or for certain applications. EPA notes, however, that the intent is not to
preclude federal agencies from procuring other types or grades of items, or from using recovered
materials content items for other applications. On the contrary, if a new type or grade of a designated
item becomes available containing recovered materials or if a federal agency discovers a new application
for which recovered materials content is appropriate, EPA encourages the agency to revise its
specifications or develop new specifications to allow the use of recovered materials in that type or grade
of item or that specific application.
Part C Affirmative Procurement Programs
EPA recommends that the Environmental Executive within each major procuring agency take the lead in
developing the agency's affirmative procurement program and in implementing the recommendations set
forth in this RMAN. The basic responsibilities of an Agency Environmental Executive are described in
sections 302 and 402 of Executive Order 13101, "Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention,
Recycling, and Federal Acquisition," (63 FR 49643, September 14, 1998). In the absence of such an
individual, EPA recommends that the head of the implementing agency appoint an individual who will be
responsible for ensuring the agency's compliance with RCRA section 6002 and Executive Order 13101.
RCRA section 6002 and Executive Order 13101 require procuring agencies to establish affirmative
procurement programs for each EPA-designated item. EPA recommends that each agency develop a
single, comprehensive affirmative procurement program with a structure that allows for the integration of
new items as they are designated. Consistent with Executive Order 13101, EPA encourages agencies to
implement preference programs for nonguideline items as well, in order to maximize their purchases of
recycled-content products and foster markets for recovered materials.
[GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS] 1-2
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Preference Program: In Section II of this RMAN, EPA provides specific recommendations for procuring
agencies to use when purchasing the EPA-designated items. For most of these items, EPA recommends
that procuring agencies establish minimum-content standards based on EPA's recommended recovered
materials content levels and the procuring agencies' own research. For other items, the use of minimum
content standards is inappropriate, and procuring agencies should establish an alternative program, as
recommended by EPA.
In addition, EPA recommends that procuring agencies review their procurement practices and eliminate
those that would inhibit or preclude the use of an item containing recovered materials. Specific examples
of such procurement practices are provided in the item-specific recommendations, where appropriate.
Promotion Program EPA recommends that procuring agencies include both internal and external
promotion in their affirmative procurement programs.
There are several methods that procuring agencies can use to educate their employees about their
affirmative procurement programs. These methods include preparing and distributing agency affirmative
procurement policies, publishing articles in agency newsletters and publications, including affirmative
procurement program requirements in agency staff manuals, and conducting workshops and training
sessions to educate employees about their responsibilities under agency affirmative procurement
programs.
Methods for educating existing contractors and potential bidders regarding an agency's preference for
purchasing products containing recovered materials include publishing articles in appropriate trade
publications, participating in vendor shows and trade fairs, placing statements in solicitations, and
discussing an agency's affirmative procurement program at bidders' conferences.
Monitoring: EPA recommends that procuring agencies monitor their affirmative procurement programs,
in accordance with RCRA section 6002(I)(2)(D) and Executive Order 13101, to ensure that they are
fulfilling their requirements to purchase items composed of recovered materials to the maximum extent
practicable. EPA anticipates that the Federal Environmental Executive and the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy will request information from Federal agencies on their affirmative procurement
practices. Therefore, EPA recommends that Federal procuring agencies maintain adequate records of
procurement that may be affected by the Executive Order and RCRA requirements.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies track their purchases of products containing recovered
materials to establish benchmarks from which progress can be assessed. To maintain adequate records
on procurement of products containing recovered materials, EPA recommends that procuring agencies
choose to collect data on the following:
The minimum percentages of recovered materials content in the items procured or offered;
Comparative price information on competitive procurement;
The quantity of each item procured over a fiscal year;
The availability of each item with recovered materials content; and
Performance information related to recovered materials content of an item.
[GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS] 1-3
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EPA recognizes that a procuring agency may be unable to obtain accurate data for all designated items.
However, the Agency believes that in many cases, estimated data will suffice in determining the
effectiveness of the agency's affirmative procurement program.
Certification: Certification of the recovered materials content in products is an important mechanism for
encouraging the use of recovered materials in finished products. Because each product will be different,
EPA recommends that procuring agencies discuss certification with product vendors to ascertain the
appropriate period for certifying recovered materials content. EPA recommends that, whenever feasible,
the recovered materials content of a product be certified on a batch-by-batch basis or as an average over
a calendar quarter or some other appropriate averaging period as determined by the procuring agencies.
[GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS] 1-4
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II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items
Part A Paper and Paper Products
Section A-l Printing and Writing Papers
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish minimum content standards
expressed as a percentage of recovered fiber, including a percentage of postconsumer fiber. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies base their minimum content standards for uncoated and coated
printing and writing papers on the content levels shown in Tables A-la, A-lb, and A-lc, respectively.
EPA further recommends that if a paper product containing 30% postconsumer fiber is not reasonably
available, then procuring agencies establish the highest postconsumer fiber content levels available.
Percentages are based on the fiber weight of the product. The content levels in the tables should be read
as X% recovered fiber, including Y% postconsumer fiber and not as X% recovered fiber plus Y%
postconsumer fiber. Where the content level is the same in both columns (e.g., 30% in both the
recovered fiber and postconsumer fiber columns), this means that EPA is recommending that agencies
establish identical content levels for both postconsumer and recovered fiber.
Table A-la. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Uncoated Printing and
Writing Papers
Item
Reprographic Paper (e.g., mimeo and
duplicator paper, high-speed copier paper,
and bond paper*)
Offset Paper (e.g., offset printing paper*,
book paper*, bond paper*)
Tablet Paper (e.g., office paper such as note
pads, stationery* and other writing* papers)
Forms Bond (e.g., forms, computer printout
paper, ledger*)
Envelope Paper
Wove
Kraft
White and colored
(including manila)
Unbleached
Cotton Fiber Paper (e.g., cotton fiber papers,
ledger*, stationery* and matching envelopes,
anH nthffr writincr* nnnfWl
Recovered Fiber (%)
30
30
30
30
30
10-20
10
30
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
30
30
30
30
30
10-20
10
30
[PART A - PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS]
II.A-1
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Item
Text & Cover Paper (e.g., cover stock, book
paper*, stationery* and matching envelopes,
and other writing* paper)
Supercalendered
Machine finish groundwood
Papeteries
Check Safety Paper
Recovered Fiber (%)
30
10
10
30
10
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
30
10
10
30
10
* These items can be made from a variety of printing and writing papers, depending on the performance
characteristics of the item. Some of the papers are a commodity-type and some are specialty papers. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies determine the performance characteristics required of the paper prior to
establishing minimum content standards. For example, bond, ledger, or stationery made from cotton fiber paper or a
text & cover paper have different characteristics than similar items made from commodity papers.
Table A-lb. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Coated Printing
and Writing Papers
Item
Coated Printing Paper
Carbonless
Recovered Fiber (%)
10
30
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
10
30
Table A-lc. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Bristols
Item
File Folders (manila and
colored)
Dyed Filing Products
Cards (index, postal,
and other, including
index sheets)
Pressboard Report Covers
and Binders
Tags and Tickets
Recovered Fiber (%)
30
20-50
50
50
20-50
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
30
20
20
20
20
[PART A - PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS]
II.A-2
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Section A-2 ~ Newsprint
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish minimum content standards
expressed as a percentage of recovered fiber, including a percentage of postconsumer fiber. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies base their minimum content standards for newsprint on the content
levels shown in Table A-2. Percentages are based on the fiber weight of the product. The content levels
in the table should be read as X% recovered fiber, including Y% postconsumer fiber and not as X%
recovered fiber plus Y% postconsumer fiber.
Table A-2. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Newsprint
Item
Newsprint
Recovered Fiber (%)
20 - 100
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
20-85
[PART A - PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS]
II.A-3
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Section A-3 Commercial/Industrial Sanitary Tissue Products
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish minimum content standards
expressed as a percentage of recovered fiber, including a percentage of postconsumer fiber. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies base their minimum content standards for commercial/industrial
tissue products on the content levels shown in Table A-3. Percentages are based on the fiber weight of
the product. The content levels in the table should be read as X% recovered fiber, including Y%
postconsumer fiber and not as X% recovered fiber plus Y% postconsumer fiber.
Table A-3. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for
Commercial/Industrial Sanitary Tissue Products
Item
Bathroom tissue
Paper towels
Paper napkins
Facial tissue
General purpose industrial
wipers
Recovered Fiber (%)
20 - 100
40 - 100
30 - 100
10 - 100
40 - 100
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
20-60
40-60
30-60
10-15
40
[PART A - PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS]
II.A-4
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Section A-4 Paperboard and Packaging Products
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish minimum content standards
expressed as a percentage of recovered fiber, including a percentage of postconsumer fiber. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies base their minimum content standards for paperboard and packaging
products on the content levels shown in Table A-4. Percentages are based on the fiber weight of the
product. The content levels in the table should be read as X% recovered fiber, including Y%
postconsumer fiber and not as X% recovered fiber plus Y% postconsumer fiber. Where the content level
is the same in both columns (e.g., 40% in both the recovered fiber and postconsumer fiber columns), this
means that EPA is recommending that agencies establish identical content levels for postconsumer and
recovered fiber.
Table A-4. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for Paperboard
and Packaging Products
Item
Corrugated containers*
(<300 psi)
(300 psi)
Solid Fiber Boxes
Folding cartons**
Industrial paperboard
(e.g., tubes, cores,
drums, and cans)
Miscellaneous (e.g., pad
backs, covered binders,
book covers, mailing
tubes, protective
packaging)
Padded mailers
Carrierboard***
Brown papers (e.g., wrap-
ping paper and bags)
Recovered Fiber (%)
25-50
25-30
40
100
100
90 - 100
5-15
10 - 100
5-40
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
25-50
25-30
40
40-80
45 - 100
75 - 100
5-15
10-15
5-20
* The recovered fiber and postconsumer fiber content is calculated from the content of each component relative to
the weight each contributes to the total weight of the box. See Appendix I for an example.
** The recommended content ranges are not applicable to all types of paperboard used in folding cartons. Cartons
made from solid bleached sulfate or solid unbleached sulfate contain no or small percentages of postconsumer fiber,
depending on the paperboard source.
* "Carrierboard made from unbleached kraft contains up to 25% recovered fiber, while carrierboard made from
recycled paperboard contains up to 100% recovered fiber.
[PART A - PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS]
II.A-5
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Section A-5 ~ Miscellaneous Paper Products
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish minimum content standards
expressed as a percentage of recovered fiber, including a percentage of postconsumer fiber. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies base their minimum content standards for the listed paper products
on the content levels shown in Table A-5. Percentages are based on the fiber weight of the product. The
content levels in the table should be read as 100% recovered fiber, including X% postconsumer fiber and
not as 100% recovered fiber plus Y% postconsumer fiber.
Table A-5. ~ Recommended Recovered Fiber Content Levels for
Miscellaneous Paper Products
Item
Tray liners
Recovered Fiber (%)
100
Postconsumer Fiber
(%)
50-75
[PART A - PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS]
II.A-6
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Section A-6 ~ Other Recommendations for Paper and Paper Products
Measurement: EPA recommends that procuring agencies express their minimum content standards as a
percentage of the fiber weight of the paper or paper product. EPA further recommends that procuring
agencies specify that mill broke cannot be counted toward postconsumer or recovered fiber content,
except that procuring agencies should permit mills to count mill broke generated in a papermaking process
using postconsumer and/or recovered fiber as feedstock toward "postconsumer fiber" or "recovered
fiber" content, to the extent that the feedstock contained these materials. In other words, if a mill uses
less than 100% postconsumer or recovered fiber, only a proportional amount of broke can be counted
towards postconsumer or recovered fiber content.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies review specifications provisions pertaining to
performance and aesthetics and revise provisions that can impede use of postconsumer and recovered
fiber, unless such provisions are related to reasonable performance standards. Agencies should
determine whether performance provisions are unnecessarily stringent for a particular end use. Agencies
also should revise aesthetics provisions ~ such as brightness, dirt count, or shade matching ~ if
appropriate, consistent with the agencies' performance requirements, in order to allow for a higher use of
postconsumer and recovered fiber.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies document determinations that paper products containing
postconsumer and recovered fiber will not meet the agencies' reasonable performance standards. Any
determination should be based on technical performance information related to a specific item, not a grade
of paper or type of product.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies watch for changes in the use of postconsumer and recovered
fiber in paper and paper products. When a paper or a paper product containing postconsumer and
recovered fiber is produced in types and grades not previously available, at a competitive price, procuring
agencies should either revise specifications to allow the use of such type or grade, or develop new
specifications for such type or grade, consistent with the agencies' performance requirements.
Recyclability: EPA recommends that procuring agencies consider the effect of a procurement of a paper
product containing recovered and postconsumer fiber on their paper collection programs by assessing the
impact of their decision on their overall contribution to the solid waste stream.
[PART A-PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS] II.A-7
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Section A-7 ~ Definitions
For purposes of the recommendations contained in this Part, terms shall have the following meanings:
"Postconsumer fiber" means:
(1) Paper, paperboard, and fibrous wastes from retail stores, office buildings, homes, and so forth, after
they have passed through their end-usage as a consumer item, including: used corrugated boxes; old
newspapers; old magazines; mixed waste paper; tabulating cards; and used cordage; and
(2) All paper, paperboard, and fibrous wastes that enter and are collected from municipal solid waste.
Postconsumer fiber does not include fiber derived from printers' over-runs, converters' scrap, and over-
issue publications.
"Recovered fiber" means the following materials:
(1) Postconsumer fiber such as:
(A) Paper, paperboard, and fibrous materials from retail stores, office buildings, homes, and so
forth, after they have passed through their end-usage as a consumer item, including: used
corrugated boxes; old newspapers; old magazines; mixed waste paper; tabulating cards; and used
cordage; and
(B) All paper, paperboard, and fibrous materials that enter and are collected from municipal solid
waste, and
(2) Manufacturing wastes such as:
(A) Dry paper and paperboard waste generated after completion of the papermaking process
(that is, those manufacturing operations up to and including the cutting and trimming of the paper
machine reel into smaller rolls or rough sheets) including: envelope cuttings, bindery trimmings,
and other paper and paperboard waste resulting from printing, cutting, forming, and other
converting operations; bag, box, and carton manufacturing wastes; and butt rolls, mill wrappers,
and rejected unused stock; and
(B) Repulped finished paper and paperboard from obsolete inventories of paper and
paperboard manufacturers, merchants, wholesalers, dealers, printers, converters, or
others.
"Mill broke" means any paper waste generated in a paper mill prior to completion of the papermaking
process. It is usually returned directly to the pulping process. Mill broke is excluded from the definition
of "recovered fiber."
[PART A-PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS] II.A-8
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Appendix A-l. Example Calculation of Postconsumer Fiber Content of a
Corrugated Container
C-flute has a take-up factor of approximately 1.44, which means that for each one foot of combined
corrugated board there is 1.44 feet of fluted medium. This factor is used to calculate the weight of
paperboard in a given area of combined corrugated board, from which the basis weight of the board is
derived. Each linerboard contributes 35% of the basis weight (42/121.4). The medium contributes 30%
of the total basis weight (37.4/121.4).
Board Basis Weight
(Ibs/MSF)
Linerboard #1 42x1.00 = 42.0
Medium 26x1.44 = 37.4
Linerboard #2 42x1.00 = 42.0
Combined Board Weight 121.4 Ibs/MSF
If the linerboard used has 20% postconsumer fiber and the medium has 80% postconsumer fiber, the
resulting total postconsumer fiber content of the containerboard is as follows:
Linerboard: .35 x .20 = .07 x 2 = . 14 (or 14%)
Medium: .30 x .80 = .24 (or 24%)
Total postconsumer fiber: .14 + .24 = .38 (or 38%)
[PART A-PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS] II.A-9
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Part B Vehicular Products
Section B-l ~ Lubricating Oil
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies set their minimum re-refined oil content
standard at the highest level of re-refined oil that they determine meets the statutory requirements of
RCRA section 6002(c)(l), but no lower than 25 percent re-refined oil.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies review their procurement practices and eliminate those which
would inhibit or preclude procurement of lubricating oils containing re-refined oil. For example, procuring
agencies should review the practices of inviting bids and issuing contracts to do the following:
(1) Supply a broad range of lubricating oil products on an "all or none" basis.
(2) Supply lubricating oils for an excessively long period of time.
(3) Deliver lubricating oils to geographic locations throughout the United States or to an excessively broad
geographic area.
(4) Supply excessively large contract quantities.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when
procuring lubricating oils containing re-refined oil:
(1) Engine lubricating oils.
(I) A-A-52039 ~ Commercial Item Description, Lubricating Oil, Automotive Engine, API Service
SG (replaced MIL-L-46152, Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Administrative
Service).
(ii) API Engine Service Category SF ~ 1980 Gasoline Engine Warranty Maintenance Service (or
current category)
(iii) A-A-52306 ~ Commercial Item Description, Lubricating Oil, Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine (for
wheeled vehicles only)
(iv) API Engine Service Category CC ~ Diesel Engine Service (or current category)
(v) MIL-L-2104, Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Combat/Tactical Service
(vi) API Engine Service Category CD ~ Diesel Engine Service (or current category)
(vii) MIL-L-21260D (or current version) ~ Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine,
Preservative and Break-in
(viii) MIL-L-46167B (or current version) - Lubricating Oil, Internal Combustion Engine, Arctic
(2) Hydraulic fluids.
(I) MIL-H-5606E (or current version) ~ Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base, Aircraft, Missile, and
Ordnance
(ii) MIL-H-6083E (or current version) ~ Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base, For Preservation and
Operation
(3) Gear oils.
(I) MIL-L-2105D (or current version) Lubricating Oil, Gear, Multipurpose
[PART B - VEHICULAR PRODUCTS] II.B-1
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(b) Copies of the military specifications can be obtained from: Commanding Officer, Naval Publications
and Forms Center, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19120.
Section B-2 ~ Retread Tires
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish preference
programs consisting of two components:
(1) Procurement of tire retreading services for the agencies' used tire casings. EPA recommends that
procuring agencies specify that tire repair and retread services must conform to Federal Specification ZZ-
T-441H (or current version); obtain retreading services from retreaders participating in the U.S. General
Services Administration, Federal Tire Program's Quality Assurance Facility Inspection Program
(QAFIP); and require bidders to submit a copy of their current certification under the QAFIP.
(2) Procurement of tires through competition between vendors of new tires and vendors of retread tires.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies specify that retread tires must meet the requirements of
Federal Specification ZZ-T-381, "Tires, Pneumatic, Vehicular (Highway) (New and Retreaded)," and be
listed on Qualified Products List QPL-ZZ-T-381, issue in effect. EPA further recommends that procuring
agencies require bidders to submit a copy of their current certification under the U.S. General Services
Administration, Federal Tire Program's Quality Assurance Facility Inspection Program (QAFIP).
In the event that identical low bids are received in response to a solicitation, all other factors being equal,
procuring agencies should provide a preference to the vendor offering to supply the greatest number of
retread tires.
[PART B - VEHICULAR PRODUCTS] II.B-2
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Section B-3 ~ Engine Coolants
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies whose vehicles are serviced by a motor
pool or vehicle maintenance facility establish a program for engine coolant reclamation and reuse,
consisting of either reclaiming the spent engine coolants on-site for use in the agencies' vehicles, or
establishing a service contract for reclamation of the agencies' spent engine coolant for use in the
agencies' vehicles.
EPA also recommends that procuring agencies request reclaimed engine coolant when having their
vehicles serviced at commercial service centers. Additionally, EPA recommends that agencies purchase
reclaimed engine coolant when making direct purchases of this item such as when necessary to make up
for losses due to leakage or spillage.
EPA does not recommend one type of engine coolant over another. However, EPA recommends that
procuring agencies purchase engine coolant containing only one base chemical, typically ethylene glycol or
propylene glycol, to prevent the commingling of incompatible types of engine coolant.
[PART B - VEHICULAR PRODUCTS] II.B-3
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Part C ~ Construction Products
Note: Refer to Part F - Landscaping Products for additional items that can be used in construction.
Section C-l - Building Insulation
Note: EPA recommended purchasing practices, including recovered materials content levels, for thermal
building insulation products in RMAN I. EPA revised those recommendations in RMAN III by adding a
recovered materials content level for plastic batt building insulation. Procuring agencies should substitute
the revised Table C-l shown below for the recommendations found in section C-l of the 1995 RMAN I.
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table C-l (Revised), procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing
building insulation products.
Table C-l.(Revised) - Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Building Insulation
Insulation Material
Rock Wool
Fiberglass
Cellulose loose-fill and spray-on
Perlite composite board
Plastic, non-woven batt
Plastic Rigid Foam, Polyisocyanurate/polyurethane:
Rigid foam
Foam-in-place
Glass fiber reinforced
Phenolic rigid foam
Recovered Materials
(Materials and %}
Slag
75
Glass cullet
20-25
Postconsumer paper
75
Postconsumer paper
23
Recovered and/or postconsumer plastics
100
Recovered material
9
Recovered material
5
Recovered material
6
Recovered material
5
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are based on the weight (not volume) of materials in the
insulating core only.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-1
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Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies reference ASTM standard specification D
5359, "Glass Gullet Recovered from Waste for Use in Manufacture of Glass Fiber," in Invitations for Bid
and Requests for Proposal.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-2
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Section C-2 ~ Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table C-2, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing structural
fiberboard or laminated paperboard products for use in either insulating or structural applications.
Table C-2.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Structural Fiberboard and Laminated
Paperboard
Product
Structural fiberboards
Laminated paperboards
Postconsumer
Recovered Paper (%)
100
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
80 - 100
100
Note: The recovered materials content levels are based on the weight (not volume) of materials in the insulating core
only.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use ASTM Standard Specification C 208 and
ANSI/AHA specification A194.1. EPA further recommends that, when purchasing structural fiberboard
products containing recovered paper, procuring agencies (1) reference the technical requirements of
ASTM C 208, "Insulating Board (Cellulosic Fiber), Structural and Decorative," (2) permit structural
fiberboard products made from recovered paper where appropriate, and (3) permit products such as floor
underlayment and roof overlay containing recovered paper.
EPA further recommends that procuring agencies review their specifications for insulating products and
revise them as necessary to obtain the appropriate "R"-value without unnecessarily precluding the
purchase of products containing recovered materials.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-3
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Section C-3-- Cement and Concrete
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies prepare or revise their procurement
programs for cement and concrete or for construction projects involving cement and concrete to allow the
use of coal fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBF slag), as appropriate. EPA does not
recommend that procuring agencies favor one recovered material over the other. Rather, EPA
recommends that procuring agencies consider the use of both recovered materials and choose the one
that meets their performance requirements, consistent with availability and price considerations. EPA
also recommends that procuring agencies specifically include provisions in all construction contracts to
allow for the use, as optional or alternate materials, of cement or concrete which contains coal fly ash,
GGBF slag, cenospheres (10-15 percent by weight), or silica fume (5-20 percent by weight), where
appropriate.
Due to variations in coal fly ash, GGBF slag, cement, strength requirements, costs, and construction
practices, EPA is not recommending recovered materials content levels for cement or concrete containing
coal fly ash or GGBF slag. However, EPA is providing the following information about recovered
materials content.
Replacement rates of coal fly ash for cement in the production of blended cement generally do
not exceed 20-30 percent, although coal fly ash blended cements may range from 0-40 percent
coal fly ash by weight, according to ASTM C 595, for cement Types IP and I(PM). Fifteen
percent is a more accepted rate when coal fly ash is used as a partial cement replacement as an
admixture in concrete.
According to ASTM C 595, GGBF slag may replace up to 70 percent of the Portland cement in
some concrete mixtures. Most GGBF slag concrete mixtures contain between 25 and 50 percent
GGBF slag by weight. EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer, at a minimum, to ASTM
C 595 for the GGBF slag content appropriate for the intended use of the cement and concrete.
Specifications: The following recommendations address guide specifications, materials specifications,
contract specifications, performance standards, mix design, and quality control.
Guide specifications. EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that their guide
specifications do not inappropriately or unfairly discriminate against the use of coal fly ash or
GGBF slag in cement and concrete. EPA further recommends that procuring agencies revise
their guide specifications to require that contract specifications for individual construction projects
or products allow for the use of coal fly ash or GGBF slag, unless the use of these materials is
technically inappropriate for a particular construction application.
Materials specifications. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the existing voluntary
consensus specifications referenced in Table C-3 for cement and concrete containing GGBF slag.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-4
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Table C-3. ~ Recommended Specifications for Cement and Concrete
Containing Recovered Materials
Cement specifications
Concrete specifications
ASTM C 595, "Standard Specification for
Blended Hydraulic Cements."
ASTM C 618, "Standard Specification for
Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural
Pozzolan for Use as a Mineral Admixture in
Portland Cement Concrete."
ASTM C 150, "Standard Specification for
Portland Cement."
ASTM C 311, "Standard Methods of
Sampling and Testing Fly Ash and Natural
Pozzolans for Use as a Mineral Admixture in
Portland Cement Concrete."
AASHTO M 240, "Blended Hydraulic
Cements."
ASTM C 989, "Ground Granulated Blast-
Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete Mortars."
AASHTO M 302, "Ground Granulated Blast
Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete and
Mortars."
American Concrete Institute Standard
Practice ACI 226.R1, "Ground Granulated
Blast-Furnace Slag as a Cementitious
Constituent in Concrete."
State specifications. EPA recommends that procuring agencies consult other agencies with
established specifications for coal fly ash or GGBF slag to benefit from their experience.
Procuring agencies can consult the Federal Highway Administration, which maintains a data base
of state highway agency material specifications. The States of Alabama, Connecticut, District of
Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia have adopted specifications
which allow the use of GGBF slag in one or more applications. If needed, procuring agencies can
obtain these specifications from the respective state transportation departments and adapt them
for use in their programs for cement and concrete, as appropriate.
Contract specifications. EPA recommends that procuring agencies which prepare or review
"contract" specifications for individual construction projects revise those specifications to allow
the use of cement and concrete containing coal fly ash or GGBF slag as optional or alternate
materials for the project, where appropriate, consistent with the agencies' performance and price
objectives.
Performance standards. EPA recommends that procuring agencies review and, if necessary,
revise performance standards relating to cement or concrete construction projects to insure that
they do not arbitrarily restrict the use of coal fly ash or GGBF slag, either intentionally or
inadvertently, unless the restriction is justified on a job-by-job basis: (1) to meet reasonable
performance requirements for the cement or concrete or (2) because the use of coal fly ash or
GGBF slag would be inappropriate for technical reasons. EPA recommends that this justification
be documented based on specific technical performance information. Legitimate documentation
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-5
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of technical infeasibility for coal fly ash or GGBF slag can be for certain classes of applications,
rather than on a job-by-job basis. Procuring agencies should reference such documentation in
individual contract specifications to avoid extensive repetition of previously documented points.
However, procuring agencies should be prepared to submit such documentation to analysis by
interested persons, and should have a review process available in the event of disagreements.
Mix design. In concrete mix design specifications which specify minimum cement content or
maximum water, the cement ratios could potentially unfairly discriminate against the use of coal
fly ash or GGBF slag. Such specifications should be changed in order to allow the partial
substitution of coal fly ash or GGBF slag for cement in the concrete mixture, unless technically
inappropriate. Cement ratios may be retained, as long as they reflect the cementitious
characteristics which coal fly ash or GGBF slag can impart to a concrete mixture, e.g., by
considering Portland cement plus coal fly ash or Portland cement plus GGBF slag as the total
cementitious component.
Quality control. Nothing in this RMAN should be construed to relieve the contractor of
responsibility for providing a satisfactory product. Cement and concrete suppliers are already
responsible both for the quality of the ingredients of their product and for meeting appropriate
performance requirements, and will continue to be under this RMAN. Nothing in EPA's
recommendations should be construed as a shift in normal industry procedures for assigning
responsibility and liability for product quality.
Procuring agencies should expect suppliers of blended cement, coal fly ash or GGBF slag, and concrete to
demonstrate (through reasonable testing programs or previous experience) the performance and reliability
of their product and the adequacy of their quality control programs. However, procuring agencies should
not subject cement and concrete containing coal fly ash or GGBF slag to any unreasonable testing
requirements.
In accordance with standard industry practice, coal fly ash and GGBF slag suppliers should be required to
provide to users a statement of the key characteristics of the product supplied. These characteristics may
be stated in appropriate ranges. Other characteristics should be requested as needed by the procuring
agency.
Agencies desiring a testing or quality assurance program for cements, blended cements, or coal fly ash
should contact the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, P.O. Box 631, Vicksburg,
Mississippi 39180.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-6
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Section C-4 ~ Carpet
Note: EPA recommended purchasing practices, including specificatons, for polyester carpet in RMAN I.
EPA is revising these recommendations to add a reference to the General Services Administration's
carpet schedule and the current contract for polyester carpet containing recovered materials. All of
EPA's other purchasing recommendations for polyester carpet, found in the 1995 RMAN I, remain
unchanged.
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table C-4, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing polyester carpet
for light- and moderate-wear applications. This recommendation does not include polyester carpet for use
in heavy-wear or severe-wear applications; however, procuring agencies are encouraged to evaluate the
suitability of polyester carpet in these applications. These recommendations do not preclude a procuring
agency from purchasing carpet made of other materials, such as nylon, wool, or polypropylene. EPA
recommends that Federal procuring agencies use GSA's contract GS-27F-5069-C under Schedule 72,
part I, section A, when purchasing polyester carpet containing recovered materials.
Table C-4.- Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Carpet
Product
Polyester Carpet Face Fiber
Resin
PET
Postconsumer
Materials
25 - 100
Specifications: EPA recommends that Federal procuring agencies use GSA's New Item Introductory
Schedule when purchasing polyester carpet containing recovered materials. EPA also recommends that
procuring agencies review their specifications and revise them to permit, where suitable, the use of polyester
carpet containing recovered materials. In particular, EPA recommends that agencies currently limiting carpet
materials to nylon, wool, or other materials consider adding polyester, where appropriate, to enable them to
procure carpet containing recovered materials.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-7
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Section C-5 - Floor Tiles1 and Patio Blocks
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
C-5, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing heavy-duty/commercial
type floor tiles and patio blocks made with rubber or plastic.
Table C-5. Recommended Recovered Materials Levels for Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks
Product
Patio Blocks
Floor Tiles
(heavy duty /commercial use)
Material
Rubber or Rubber
Blends
Plastic or Plastic
Blends
Rubber
Plastic
Postconsumer
Materials (%)
90 - 100
90 - 100
Total Recovered
Materials (%)
90 - 100
90-100
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are based on the dry weight of the raw materials, exclusive
of any additives such as adhesives, binders, or coloring agents. EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring
agencies from purchasing floor tiles or patio blocks manufactured from another material. It simply recommends that
procuring agencies, when purchasing floor tiles or patio blocks made from rubber or plastic, purchase these items made
fromrecovered materials. Recommendations for floor tiles are limited to heavy-duty/commercial-type applications only.
'EPA clarified in 62 FR 60995, November 13, 1997 (RMAN II), that the use of floor tiles with recovered
materials content may be appropriate only for specialty purpose uses (e.g., raised, open-web tiles for drainage on
school kitchen flooring). Such specialty purpose uses involve limited flooring areas where grease, tar, snow, ice,
wetness or similar substances or conditions are likely to be present. Thus, EPA has no recovered materials content
level recommendations for floor tiles made with recovered materials for standard office or more general purpose uses.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-8
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Section C-6 ~ Shower and Restroom Dividers/Partitions Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
C-6, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing shower and restroom
dividers/partitions.
Table C-6. Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Shower and Restroom
Dividers/Partitions Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel
Material
Steel
Plastic
Postconsumer materials (%)
16
67
20-100
Total recovered materials content
25-30
100
20-100
Notes: EPA's recommendation does not preclude agencies from purchasing shower and restroom dividers/partitions
manufactured from another material, such as wood. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing
shower and restroom dividers/partitions made from plastic or steel, purchase these items made from recovered materials
when these items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items can
be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (EOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel from
the EOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from the EAF
process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring
shower and restroom dividers/partitions:
(1) The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has issued guidance for specifying construction materials,
including plastic and steel dividers/partitions. The AIA guidance is known throughout the construction industry
as the "Masterspec" and is available through the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
(2) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Guide Specification CEGS-10160, Toilet Partitions.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-9
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Section C-7 ~ Reprocessed and Consolidated Latex Paints for Specified Uses
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
C-7, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing reprocessed and
consolidated latex paints.
Table C-7. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Reprocessed and Consolidated Latex Paints
Product
Reprocessed latex paint
White, off-white, and pastel colors
Grey, brown, earthtones, and other dark colors
Consolidated latex paint
Postconsumer latex paint (%)
20
50-99
100
Notes: EPA's recommendations apply to reprocessed latex paints used for interior and exterior architectural applications
such as wallboard, ceilings, and trim; gutter boards; and concrete, stucco, masonry, wood, and metal surfaces, and to
consolidated latex paints used for covering graffiti, where color and consistency of performance are not primary
concerns.
EPA's recommendation does not preclude agencies from purchasing paints manufactured from other, non-latexmaterials,
such as oil-based paints. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing latex paints, purchase these
items made from postconsumer recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and performance
requirements.
Reprocessed and consolidated latex paints are available to Federal agencies through the GSA Federal Supply
Service by ordering the following stock numbers:
National Stock Numbers Colors
Semi-gloss FEDSTD 595B Color No.
8010-01-380-2400 Beige #27769
8010-01-380-2405 Blue-gray #26420
8010-01-380-2438 Sand-green #26307
8010-01-380-2382 Sand-gray #26306
8010-01-380-2331 Gray #26134
8010-01-380-2429 Dark gray #26081
8010-01-380-2338 Green #24491
8010-01-380-2379 Sand #23690
8010-01-380-2332 Tan #23617
8010-01-380-2417 Tan #20372
8010-01-380-2353 Sand-yellow #20318
8010-01-380-2363 Dark brown #20140
8010-01-380-2447 Red brown #20100
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-10
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Flat FEDSTD595B Color No.
8010-01-380-3293 White #37886
8010-01-380-2425 Beige #37769
8010-01-380-2442 Blue-gray #36650
8010-01-380-2381 Gray #36134
8010-01-380-2367 Dark gray #36081
8010-01-380-2396 Blue #35526
8010-01-380-2366 Green #34491
8010-01-380-2421 Sand #33690
8010-01-380-2351 Tan #33617
8010-01-380-2416 Dark brown #30140
The GSA Federal Supply Service has a free paint brochure available by calling 1-800-241-RAIN or FAX
requests to (206) 931-7544.
Specifications: (1) EPA recommends that procuring agencies use GSA specification TT-P-2846, Paint, Latex
(Recycled with Post-Consumer Waste). This specification applies to interior, exterior, and interior/exterior
latex paints intended for use on wallboard, concrete, stucco, masonry, and wood.
(2) GSA specification TT-P-2846 requires high content levels (50-90% postconsumer paint). EPA
recommends that procuring agencies refer to the requirements and quality assurance provisions in TT-P-2846
when purchasing reprocessed latex paint containing lower levels of postconsumer paint (e.g., whites, off-
whites, and pastel colors).
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-11
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Table C-8. Carpet Cushion Made from Bonded Polyurethane, Jute, Synthetic Fiber, or Rubber
Containing Recovered Materials
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
C-8, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing bonded polyurethane, jute,
synthetic fiber, or rubber carpet cushion containing recovered materials.
Table C-8. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Bonded Polyurethane, Jute, Synthetic Fiber, and Rubber Carpet Cushion
Product
Bonded
polyurethane
Jute
Synthetic fibers
Rubber
Material
Old carpet cushion
Burlap
Carpet fabrication scrap
Tire rubber
Postconsumer content
(%)
15-50
40
60-90
Total recovered materials
content (%)
15-50
40
100
60-90
Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing another type of carpet cushion.
They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing bonded polyurethane, jute, synthetic fiber, or rubber
carpet cushions, purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications
and performance requirements. Refer to Section C-4 in RMAN I for EPA's recommendations for purchasing polyester
carpet containing recovered materials.
Specifications: EPA is not aware of carpet cushion specifications unique to carpet cushions containing
recovered materials. Therefore, EPA recommends that procuring agencies use any appropriate standards
set by the Carpet and Rug Institute and the Carpet Cushion Council when purchasing bonded polyurethane,
jute, synthetic fiber, or rubber carpet cushion containing recovered materials.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-12
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Section C-9. Flowable Fill Containing Coal Fly Ash and/or Ferrous Foundry Sands
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use flowable fill containing coal fly ash
and/or ferrous foundry sands for backfill and other fill applications. EPA further recommends that procuring
agencies include provisions in all construction contracts involving backfill or other fill applications to allow for
the use of flowable fill containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands, where appropriate.
The specific percentage of coal fly ash or ferrous foundry sands used in flowable fill depends on the specifics
of the job, including the type of coal fly ash used (Class C or Class F); the strength, set time, and flowability
needed; and bleeding and shrinkage. Therefore, EPA is not recommending specific coal fly ash or ferrous
foundry sands content levels for procuring agencies to use in establishing minimum content standards for
flowable fill. EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer to the mix proportions in Tables C-9a and C-9b
for typical proportions for high and low coal fly ash content mixes. EPA further recommends that procuring
agencies refer to American Concrete Institute (ACI) report ACI 229R-94 for guidance on the percentages
of coal fly ash that can be used in flowable fill mixtures.
Table C-9a. -Typical Proportions for High Fly Ash Content Flowable Fills
Component
Fly ash (95%)
Cement (5%)
Added water
Range
kg/m3 (lb/yd3)
949 to 1542 (1600 to 2600)
47 to 74 (80 to 125)
222 to 371 (375 to 625)
Total:
Mix Design
kg/m3 (lb/yd3)
1234 (2080)
62 (104)
247 (416)*
1543 (2600)
* Equal to 189 liters (50 gallons)
Source: "Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers," FHWA-SA-94-081, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration, August 1995.
Table C-9b. -Typical Proportions for Low Fly Ash Content Flowable Fills
Component
Fly ash (6% to \4%J
Cement
Sand
Added water
Range
kg/m3 (lb/yd3)
119 to 297 (200 to 500)
30 to 119 (50 to 200)
1483 to 1780 (2500 to 3000)
198 to 494 (333 to 833)
Total:
Mix Design
kg/m3 (lb/yd3)
178 (300)
59 (100)
1542 (2600)
297 (500)*
2076 (3500)
^High calcium fly ash is used in lower amounts than low calcium fly ash.
* Equal to 227 liters (60 gallons)
Source: "Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers," FHWA-SA-94-081, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration, August 1995.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-13
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Specifications: The following recommendations address mix designs, test methods, and performance
standards.
Mix designs. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use ACI report ACI229R-94, "Controlled
Low Strength Materials (CLSM)" and "Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers," (FHWA-SA-94-
081, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, August 1995) in
developing mix designs. Among other things, ACI229R-94 addresses materials, including coal fly
ash and foundry sands, mix design, and mixing, transporting, and placing. It also provides
examples of mixture designs containing coal fly used by the states of Iowa, Florida, Illinois,
Indiana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina. "Fly Ash Facts for Highway Engineers"
addresses materials, strength, flowability, time of set, bleeding and shrinkage.
A mix design for the use of foundry sand and coal fly ash in flowable fill was developed for Ford
Motor Company. Procuring agencies can obtain a copy of this design by contacting the RCRA
Hotline at 1-800-424-9346. Table C-9c provides the recommended trial mixture from this
specification.
Table C-9c. ~ Materials Quantities for Flowable Fill Mixture
Containing Foundry Sands and Coal Fly Ash
Component
Cement
Coal fly ash
Foundry sand
Water
Quantity per Cubic Yard
50 Ibs.
250 Ibs.
2850 Ibs.
500 Ibs.
Materials specifications and test methods. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use
ACI229R-94 and the ASTM standards listed in Table C-9d when purchasing flowable fill or
contracting for construction that involves backfilling or other fill applications.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer to ASTM C 33-93, "Standard Specification for Concrete
Aggregates," to assure the quality and uniformity of the ferrous foundry sands used as aggregates in
flowable fills.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-14
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Table C-9d. Recommended Test Methods for Flowable Fills (Controlled Low Strength Materials)
ASTM Specification Number
D 4832-95el
D 5239-92
D 5971-96
D 6103-07
D 6023-96
D 5971-96
D 6024-96
Title
Standard Test Method for Preparation and Testing of Controlled
Low Strength Material (CLSM) Test Cylinders
Standard Practice for Characterizing Fly Ash for Use in Soil
Stabilization
Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Controlled Low
Strength Material
Standard Test Method for Flow Consistency of Controlled Low
Strength Material
Standard Test Method for Unit Weight, Yield, Cement Content
and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Controlled Low Strength
Material (CLSM)
Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Controlled Low
Strength Material
Standard Test Method for Ball Drop on Controlled Low Strength
Material (CLSM) to Determine Suitability for Load Application
State specifications. The following states have specifications for flowable fill containing coal fly
ash: California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North
Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The state of Ohio has a specification entitled "Flowable Fill Made with Spent Foundry Sand," and
the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Indiana are developing specifications for using foundry
sands in flowable fill.
If needed, procuring agencies can obtain state specifications from the respective state
transportation departments and adapt them for use in their programs. ACI229R-94 includes mix
designs from several of these states.
Contract specifications. EPA recommends that procuring agencies which prepare or review
"contract" specifications for individual construction projects revise those specifications to allow
the use of flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands.
Performance standards. EPA recommends that procuring agencies review and, if necessary, revise
performance standards relating to fill materials to insure that they do not arbitrarily restrict or preclude the
use of flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands, either intentionally or
inadvertently, unless the restriction is justified on a job-by-job basis: (1) to meet reasonable performance
requirements for fill materials or (2) because the use of coal fly ash or ferrous foundry sands would be
inappropriate for technical reasons. EPA recommends that this justification be documented based on
specific performance information. Legitimate documentation of technical infeasibility can be for certain
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-15
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classes of applications, rather than on a job-by-job basis. Agencies should reference such documentation
in individual contract specifications to avoid extensive repetition of previously documented points.
However, procuring agencies should be prepared to submit such documentation to scrutiny by interested
parties and should have a review process available in the event of disagreements.
Promotion program: EPA recommends that, as part of the promotion programs required by section
6002(1) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, procuring agencies conduct demonstration
programs for using flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands. EPA further
recommends that procuring agencies educate construction contractors about the design, use, and
performance of flowable fills containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry sands.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS] II. C-16
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Section C-10. Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces Containing Coal Fly Ash or Recovered
Rubber or Steel
Preference Program: EPA recommends that based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table C-lOa, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing concrete,
rubber, or steel railroad grade crossing surfaces containing recovered materials.
EPA further recommends that procuring agencies include provisions in all concrete railroad grade
crossing construction contracts to allow for the use, as optional or alternate materials, of concrete
containing coal fly ash, where appropriate.
Table C-lOa. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Concrete, Rubber, or Steel Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces
Surface Material
Concrete
Rubber
Steel
Recovered Material
Coal fly ash
Tire rubber
Steel
Postconsumer content
(%)
~
~
16
67
Total recovered materials
content (%)
15-20
85-95
25-30
100
Notes: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing another type of railroad grade
crossing surface, such as wood or asphalt. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing concrete,
rubber, or steel grade crossing surfaces, purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items meet
applicable specifications and performance requirements.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for rubber railroad grade crossing surfaces are based
on the weight of the raw materials, exclusive of any additives such as binders or other additives.
Coal fly ash can be used as an ingredient of concrete slabs, pavements, or controlled density fill product,
depending on the type of concrete crossing system installed. Higher percentages of coal fly ash can be used in the
concrete mixture; the higher percentages help to produce a more workable and durable product but can prolong the
curing process.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the
designated items can be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (EOF) or an Electric Arc
Furnace (EAF). Steel from the EOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is
postconsumer steel. Steel from the EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is
postconsumer.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM standards listed in Table C-lOb
when purchasing rubber railroad grade crossing surfaces. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use
the ASTM and AASHTO standards listed in Table C-lOc when purchasing concrete railroad grade
crossing surfaces.
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-17
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Table C-lOb. Recommended Specifications for Rubber Railroad Grade Crossings
ASTM Specification Number
D 2000-96
D 2240-97
D 412-97
D 297-93
E 303-93
D 1171-94
D 573-88
D 395-89
D 257-93
D 2137-94
Title
Rubber Products in Automotive Applications
Rubber Property ~ Durometer Hardness
Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic
Elastomers ~ Tension
Rubber Products - Chemical Analysis
Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British
Pendulum Tester
Rubber Deterioration ~ Surface Ozone Cracking Outdoors or
Chamber (Triangular Specimens)
Deterioration in an Air Oven
Rubber Property ~ Compression Set
DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials
Rubber Property ~ Brittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and
Coated Fabrics
Table C-lOc. Recommended Specifications for Cement and Concrete Containing Recovered Materials
Specification number
ASTM C 595
ASTM C 150
AASHTO M 240
ASTM C 618
ASTM C 311
Title
Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic
Cements
Standard Specification for Portland Cement
Blended Hydraulic Cements
Standard Specification for Fly Ash and Raw or
Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use as a Mineral
Admixture in Portland Cement Concrete
Standard Methods of Sampling and Testing Fly
Ash and Natural Pozzolans for Use as a Mineral
Admixture in Portland Cement Concrete
[PART C - CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS]
II.C-18
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Part D Transportation Products
Section D-l ~ Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table D-l, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing traffic cones
and traffic barricades.
Table D-L Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Traffic Cones
and Traffic Barricades
Product
Traffic Cones
Traffic Barricades
Material
PVC, LDPE, Crumb
Rubber
HOPE, LDPE, PET
Steel
Fiberglass
Postconsumer
Materials (%)
80 - 100
16
67
Total Recovered
Materials (%)
50 - 100
100
25-30
100
100
Notes: The recommended recovered materials content levels are based on the dry weight of the raw materials,
exclusive of any additives such as adhesives, binders, or coloring agents.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items
can be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (EOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel
from the EOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from
the EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
[PART D - TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS]
II.D-1
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Section D-2 ~ Parking Stops Made from Concrete or Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table D-2, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing parking stops.
Table D-2. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Parking Stops Made from
Concrete or Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber
Material
Postconsumer content (%
Recovered materials content (%
Plastic and/or rubber
Concrete containing coal
fly ash
Concrete containing
GGBF slag
100
20-40
25-70
Notes: Parking stops made with recovered plastics may also include other recovered materials such as sawdust,
wood, or fiberglass. The percentage of these materials contained in the product would also count toward the
recovered materials content level of the parking stops.
ASTM specification C595M-95 Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements specifies the appropriate mix
design, including recovered materials content, for concrete containing coal fly ash and GGBF slag.
EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing parking stops manufactured
from another material. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing concrete parking stops or
parking stops made with plastic or rubber, purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items
meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
[PART D - TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS]
II.D-2
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Section D-3 ~ Channelizers, Delineators, and Flexible Delineators Containing Recovered
Plastic, Rubber, or Steel
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table D-3, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing channelizers,
delineators, and flexible delineators.
Table D-3. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Channelizers, Delineators, and
Flexible Delineators Containing Recovered Plastic, Rubber, or Steel
Product
Channelizers
Delineators
Flexible
delineators
Material
Plastic
Rubber (base only)
Plastics
Rubber (base only)
Steel (base only)
Plastic
Postconsumer content (%)
25-95
100
25-90
100
16% postconsumer and 25-30% total recovered materials
or
67% postconsumer and 100% total recovered materials
25-85
Notes: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing channelizers, delineators, or
flexible delineators manufactured from another material. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing
these items made from rubber, plastic, or steel, purchase them made with recovered materials when these items meet
applicable specifications and performance requirements.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items
can be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel
from the BOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from
the EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring
channelizers, delineators, and flexible delineators:
(1) The Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices contains
specifications for the size, shape, mounting, and placement of temporary traffic control devices.
(2) The States of Florida and North Carolina have specifications that require the use of recovered
materials in their flexible delineators. The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) has
specifications for "Drivable Flexible Plastic Guide Marker and Clearance Marker Posts." A copy of
these specifications are available from the RCRA Hotline at 1-800-424-9346.
[PART D - TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS]
II.D-3
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Part E Park and Recreation Products
Section E-l Playground Surfaces and Running Tracks
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table E-l, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing playground
surfaces and running tracks made of rubber or plastic.
Table E-L Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Playground Surfaces
and Running Tracks
Product
Playground Surfaces
Running Tracks
Material
Rubber or Plastic
Rubber or Plastic
Postconsumer
Recovered Materials
(%)
90 - 100
90 - 100
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are based on the dry weight of the raw materials,
exclusive of any additives such as adhesives, binders, or coloring agents. EPA's recommendation does not preclude
procuring agencies from purchasing playground surfaces or running tracks manufactured from another material. It
simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing playground surfaces or running tracks made from
rubber or plastic, purchase these items made from recovered materials.
[PART E - PARK AND REC. PRODUCTS]
II.E-1
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Section E-2 Plastic Fencing Containing Recovered Plastic for Specified Uses
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table E-2, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic fencing
for use in controlling snow or sand drifting and as a warning/safety barrier in construction or other
applications.
Table E-2. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels
for Fencing Containing Recovered Plastic
Material
Plastic
Postconsumer content (%)
60-100
Total recovered materials content (%)
90-100
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing fencing manufactured from
another material, such as wood. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing plastic fencing,
purchase this item made with recovered materials when this item meets applicable specifications and performance
requirements.
Specifications: The State of New York developed a specification for orange-colored plastic fencing used
for snow barriers, warning barriers, and safety barriers, but discontinued its use because the state did not
purchase enough fencing to warrant maintaining the specification. Height varied, depending on
application, from four to six feet. Weight varied from 17 pounds per 100 foot section for warning barriers
to 48 pounds per 100 foot section for snow fencing to 66 pounds per 100 foot section for six-foot safety
barrier fencing. The New York specification also addressed mesh size, porosity, service temperature
range, and strength for each application. A copy of this specification is available from the RCRA Hotline
by calling 1-800-424-9346.
[PART E-PARK AND REC. PRODUCTS] II.E-2
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Section E-3. Picnic Tables and Park Benches Containing Recovered Steel, Aluminum, or
Plastic
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table E-3a, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing aluminum,
steel, or plastic park benches and picnic tables containing recovered materials.
Table E-3a. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Park Benches and Picnic Tables
Containing Recovered Aluminum, Steel, Concrete or Plastic
Material
Plastics
Plastic composites
Aluminum
Concrete
Steel
Postconsumer content (%)
90-100
50 - 100
25
~
16
67
Total recovered materials content (%)
100
100
25
15-40
25-30
100
Notes: "Plastics" includes both single and mixed plastic resins. Picnic tables and park benches made with recovered
plastics may also contain other recovered materials such as sawdust, wood, or fiberglass. The percentage of these
materials contained in the product would also count toward the recovered materials content level of the item.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items
can be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel
from the BOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from
the EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing park benches or picnic tables made
from other materials. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing park benches or picnic tables
made from plastic, aluminum, concrete, or steel purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items
meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
Specifications: EPA did not identify any specifications for park benches or picnic tables made from steel,
concrete, or aluminum. EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in
their specifications for park benches or picnic tables that would preclude or discourage the use of
products containing recovered materials.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM specifications referenced in Table E-3b for
park benches and picnic tables made from plastic lumber.
[PART E - PARK AND REC. PRODUCTS]
II.E-3
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Table E-3b. Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Used In Park Benches and Picnic Tables
ASTM Specification Number
D 6108-97
D 6109-97
D 61 11-97
D 61 12-97
D 61 17-97
Title
Standard Test Method for Compressive
Properties of Plastic Lumber
Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of
Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber
Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and
Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes by
Displacement
Standard Test Method for Compressive and
Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of Plastic
Lumber and Shapes
Standard Test Method for Mechanical Fasteners
in Plastic Lumber and Shapes
[PART E - PARK AND REC. PRODUCTS]
II.E-4
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Section E-4. Playground Equipment
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table E-4a, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing playground
equipment made from plastic lumber, steel, or aluminum containing recovered materials.
Table E-4a. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Playground Equipment Containing
Recovered Plastic, Steel, or Aluminum
Material
Plastics
Plastic Composites
Steel
Aluminum
Postconsumer content (%)
90 - 100
50-75
16
67
25
Total recovered materials content (%)
100
95 - 100
25-30
100
25
Notes: "Plastics" includes both single and mixed plastic resins. Playground equipment made with recovered plastics
may also contain other recovered materials such as wood or fiberglass. The percentage of these materials contained
in the product would also count toward the recovered materials content level of the item.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items
can be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel
from the BOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from
the EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing playground equipment made from
other materials. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing playground equipment made from
plastic, aluminum, or steel purchase these items made with recovered materials when the item meets applicable
specifications and performance requirements.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the specifications in Table E-4b when
procuring playground equipment. Playground equipment may also be subject to state and local codes and
standards as well as Federal child safety laws. EPA also recommends that procuring agencies use the
ASTM specifications referenced in Table E-4c for playground equipment made from plastic lumber.
Table E-4b. Recommended Safety Specifications for Playground Equipment
Specification
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Publication No. 325
ASTM F-1487-95
Title
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
Safety Performance Specification for Playground
Equipment for Public Use
[PART E - PARK AND REC. PRODUCTS]
II.E-5
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Table E-4c. Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Used In Playground Equipment
ASTM Specification Number
D 6108-97
D 6109-97
D 61 11-97
D 61 12-97
D 61 17-97
Title
Standard Test Method for Compressive
Properties of Plastic Lumber
Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of
Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber
Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and
Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes by
Displacement
Standard Test Method for Compressive and
Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of Plastic
Lumber and Shapes
Standard Test Method for Mechanical Fasteners
in Plastic Lumber and Shapes
[PART E - PARK AND REC. PRODUCTS]
II.E-6
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Part F Landscaping Products
Section F-l Hydraulic Mulch
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table F-l, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for paper-based and wood-based
hydraulic mulch products.
Table F-L Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Hydraulic Mulch Products
Hydraulic Mulch Products
Paper-Based Hydraulic Mulch
Wood-Based Hydraulic Mulch
Recovered Materials
(Materials and %)
Postconsumer recovered paper
100
Recovered wood and/or paper
100
Note: The recommended recovered materials content levels are based on the dry weight of the fiber, exclusive of any
dyes, wetting agents, seeds, fertilizer, or other non-cellulose additives.
[PART F - LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS]
II.F-1
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Section F-2 Compost Made from Yard Trimmings and/or Food Waste
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies purchase or use compost made from
yard trimmings, leaves, grass clippings and/or food wastes in such applications as landscaping, seeding of
grass or other plants on roadsides and embankments, as nutritious mulch under trees and shrubs, and in
erosion control and soil reclamation.
EPA further recommends that those procuring agencies that have an adequate volume of yard trimmings,
leaves, grass clippings, and/or food wastes, as well as sufficient space for composting, should implement a
composting system to produce compost from these materials to meet their landscaping and other needs.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in their
specifications relating to landscaping, soil amendments, erosion control, or soil reclamation that would
preclude or discourage the use of compost. For instance, if specifications address the use of straw or hay
in roadside revegetation projects, procuring agencies should assess whether compost could substitute for
straw or hay or be used in combination with them.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges
on Federal Highway Projects 1996," specifies compost as one of the materials suitable for use in roadside
revegetation projects associated with road construction. These standards do not preclude the use of
compost made from yard trimmings, leaves, grass, clippings, and/or food waste.
The State of Maine has developed quality standards for compost products that are used by its agencies
and/or purchased with state funds. The quality standards have been set for six types of compost
products, ranging from topsoil (three classes), to wetland substrate, to mulch (two classes). For each of
these types of compost product, standards for maturity, odor, texture, nutrients, pH, salt content, organic
content, pathogen reduction, heavy metals, foreign matter, moisture content, and density have been
established. EPA recommends that procuring agencies obtain and adapt this or another suitable
specification for their use in purchasing compost products.
The Composting Council is helping to define and develop industry wide standards for composts made from
various combinations of materials, including yard trimmings, leaves, grass clippings, and food wastes. The
Composting Council publishes these standards in an operating guide for composting facilities entitled,
"Test Methods for Examination of Composting and Compost." The guide also provides standards for the
suitability of different types of composts made for different applications, depending on the compost mix.
[PART F - LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS] II.F-2
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Section F-3 ~ Garden and Soaker Hoses Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table F-3, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing garden and
soaker hoses.
Table F-3. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Garden and Soaker Hoses
Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber
Product
Garden hose
Soaker hose
Material
Rubber and/or plastic
Rubber and/or plastic
Postconsumer content (%)
60-65
60-70
Notes: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing garden and soaker hoses
manufactured from another material. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing garden and soaker
hoses made from plastic or rubber, purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items meet
applicable specifications and performance requirements.
The Green Seal specification for watering hoses includes a 50 percent postconsumer content level. However, all
companies from which EPA obtained information manufacture garden and/or soaker hoses with at least 60 percent
postconsumer content.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring
garden and soaker hoses:
(1) ASTM D3901 Consumer Specification for Garden Hose. The specification addresses physical and
performance characteristics (pressure, tensile, and ripping strength tests) and states that the material
components are to be agreed upon by the purchaser and seller.
(2) Green Seal GC-2: Watering Hoses. The standard calls for the use of 50 percent postconsumer rubber
material in garden hoses and 65 percent postconsumer rubber material in soaker hoses. EPA
recommends that, when purchasing garden hoses, procuring agencies reference the technical
requirements of this specification but set a higher content standard.
[PART F - LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS] II.F-3
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Section F-4 ~ Lawn and Garden Edging Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table F-4, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing lawn and garden
edging.
Table F-4. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Lawn and Garden Edging
Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber
Material
Plastic and/or rubber
Postconsumer content (%)
30-100
Total recovered materials content (%)
30-100
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing lawn and garden edging
manufactured from another material, such as wood. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing
lawn and garden edging made from plastic and/or rubber, purchase these items made with recovered materials when
these items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
[PART F - LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS]
II.F-4
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Section F-5. Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts Containing Recovered Materials
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table F-5a, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic lumber
landscaping timbers and posts containing recovered materials.
Table F-5a. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic Lumber Landscaping
Timbers and Posts
Material
HDPE
Mixed Plastics/Sawdust
HDPE/Fiberglass
Other mixed resins
Postconsumer content (%)
25-100
50
75
50-100
Total recovered materials content (%)
75-100
100
95
95-100
Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing wooden landscaping timbers
and posts. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing plastic landscaping timbers and posts
purchase these items made with recovered materials when the items meet applicable specifications and performance
requirements.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM specifications referenced in
Table F-5b for plastic lumber landscaping timbers and posts.
Table F-5b. Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts
ASTM Specification Number
D 6108-97
D 6109-97
D 61 11-97
D 61 12-97
D 61 17-97
Title
Standard Test Method for Compressive
Properties of Plastic Lumber
Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of
Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber
Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and
Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes by
Displacement
Standard Test Method for Compressive and
Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of Plastic
Lumber and Shapes
Standard Test Method for Mechanical Fasteners
in Plastic Lumber and Shapes
[PART F - LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS]
II.F-5
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Part G Non-Paper Office Products
Section G-l ~ Office Recycling Containers and Office Waste Receptacles
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in
Table G-l, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing office recycling
containers and office waste receptacles.
Table G-L Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Office Recycling
Containers and Office Waste Receptacles
Product
Recovered Materials
(materials and percent)
Office Recycling Containers
and Office Waste Receptacles
Plastic: 20 - 100 Postconsumer Recovered Materials
Paper: Refer to the Paper Products
Recommendations in Part A of RMAN
Steel: 16% postconsumer and 25% - 30% total
recovered materials
Notes: EPA's recommendations for office recycling containers and office waste receptacles containing recovered plastic,
paper, or steel do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing containers or receptacles manufactured from another
material, such as wood. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing office recycling containers or
office waste receptacles manufactured from plastic, paper, or steel, purchase these items made with recovered materials
when the items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items are
made from steel manufactured in a Basic Oxygen Furnace (EOF). Steel from the EOF process contains 25% - 30% total
recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS] II.G-1
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Section G-2 ~ Plastic Desktop Accessories
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
G-2, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic desktop
accessories. If items are not available within the recommended range, procuring agencies should seek the
items with the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable.
Table G-2. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Plastic Desktop Accessories
Product
Plastic Desktop Accessories
Postconsumer Recovered Materials
(Material and %)
Polystyrene
25-80
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing a desktop accessory manufactured
from another material, such as paper, wood, or steel. It simply recommends that, when purchasing plastic desktop
accessories, procuring agencies purchase these items made from recovered materials.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS] II.G-2
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Section G-3 ~ Toner Cartridges
Preference Program: EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish procedures and policies that give
priority to remanufacturing the agencies' expended toner cartridges. EPA recommends that, under such
policies and procedures, procuring agencies procure remanufacturing services for expended cartridges and,
when such services are unavailable or not practicable, obtain remanufactured toner cartridges or new toner
cartridges made with recovered materials from product vendors.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS] II.G-3
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Section G-4 ~ Binders
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
G-3, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing binders.
Table G-3. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Binders
Product
Plastic-Covered Binders
(Plastic Covering)
Chipboard, Paperboard, or Pressboard Binders or
Binder Components
Recovered Materials
(Materials and %)
Plastic
25-50
Paper
Refer to Paper Products Recommendations
AofRMAN
in Part
Note: The chipboard, paperboard, or pressboard binders or components of plastic-covered binders or binders covered
with another material, such as cloth, are covered under the recommendation for paper and paper products (see Part A
of the RMAN). EPA's recommendations do not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing binders covered with or
manufactured using another material, such as cloth. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing
binder types designated in the procurement guidelines, purchase these binders containing recovered materials.
Specifications: GSA's specification for binders, A-A-2549A, covers four types of binders, including cloth
bound, flexible cover; cloth bound, stiff cover; plastic bound, flexible cover; and plastic bound, stiff cover.
In the specification, GSA requires its binders to contain "a minimum of 100% waste paper, including a
minimum of 30% postconsumer recovered materials."
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS]
II.G-4
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Section G-5 - Plastic Trash Bags
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the content levels shown in Table G-4, procuring
agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic trash bags.
Table G-4 .-- Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic Trash Bags
Product
Plastic Trash Bags
Postconsumer Recovered Materials
(Material and %)
Plastic
10 - 100
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing a trash bag manufactured using
another material, such as paper. It merely recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing plastic trash bags,
purchase these items made from recovered materials.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS]
II.G-5
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Section G-6 ~ Printer Ribbons
Preference Program: Minimum content standards are not appropriate for remanufactured items, such as
printer ribbons, because a core part of the item is reused in the new product, even though certain components
of a printer ribbon may contain recovered materials. In lieu of content standards, EPA recommends that
procuring agencies adopt one or both of the following approaches: (1) procure printer ribbon reinking or
reloading services or (2) procure reinked or reloaded printer ribbons. EPA further recommends that
procuring agencies establish policies that give priority to reinking or reloading their expended printer ribbons.
If reinking and reloading services are unavailable, procuring agencies should attempt to purchase reinked or
reloaded printer ribbons. GS A offers remanufactured printer ribbons on the New Item Introductory Schedule
(NIIS).
Specifications: The State of Alabama has a specification for reinked ribbons which requires the ribbons to
be vacuum cleaned, reinked, and rewound to proper tension. A copy of this specification is available from
the RCRA Hotline at 1-800-424-9346.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS] II.G-6
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Section G-7 ~ Plastic Envelopes
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
G-7, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic envelopes.
Table G-7. Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic Envelopes
Material
Plastic
Postconsumer content (%)
25
Total recovered materials content (%)
25-35
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing envelopes manufactured from
another material, such as paper. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing envelopes made from
plastic, purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and
performance requirements. Procuring agencies should note, however, that paper envelopes fall within the scope of
EPA's previous designation of paper and paper products. EPA issued postconsumer and recovered materials content
recommendations for paper products, including envelopes, in the Paper Products RMAN, which was issued in the
FEDERAL REGISTER on May 29,1996 at 61 FR 26985. A copy of the Paper Products RMAN is available from the RCRA
Hotline at 1-800-424-9346 and electronically via EPA's Public Access Server at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/search.htm.
Specifications:
(1) GSA, the Government Printing Office (GPO), and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) all currently purchase
plastic envelopes made from Tyvekฎ containing recovered HDPE. GSA specifies "DuPont Tyvekฎ or
equal." USPS requires "DuPont Tyvekฎ." GPO requires "white spunbonded polyethylene with the
characteristics of DuPont's product no. 1073;" the title of the solicitation, however, states "Tyvekฎ envelopes
or similar."
(2) The Navy requests that plastic envelopes not be sent to ships in order to minimize onboard disposal of
plastic.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS] II.G-7
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Section G-8. Solid Plastic Binders, Plastic Clipboards, Plastic File Folders, Plastic Clip Portfolios,
and Plastic Presentation Folders Containing Recovered Plastic
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
G-8, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing solid plastic binders, plastic
clipboards, plastic file folders, plastic clip portfolios, and plastic presentation folders containing recovered
materials.
Table G-8. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Solid Plastic Binders, Clipboards,
File Folders, Clip Portfolios, and Presentation Folders
Product
Solid plastic binders
Plastic clipboards
Plastic file folders
Plastic clip portfolios
Plastic presentation
folders
Material
HDPE
PE
PET
Misc. Plastics
HDPE
PS
Misc. Plastics
HDPE
HDPE
HDPE
Postconsumer content
(%)
90
30-50
100
80
90
50
15
90
90
90
Total recovered materials
content (%)
90
30-50
100
80
90
50
15-80
90
90
90
Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing binders, clipboards, file folders, clip
portfolios, or presentation folders made from another material, such as paper. They simply require that procuring
agencies, when purchasing these items made from solid plastic, purchase them made with recovered plastics when these
items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements. For EPA's recommendations for purchasing
pressboard binders and paper file folders containing recovered materials, see table A-lc in the Paper Products RMAN
(61 FR 26986, May 29, 1996). See Table G-3 in RMAN I for EPA's recommendations for purchasing plastic-covered
binders containing recovered materials.
Specifications: EPA did not identify any specifications for solid plastic binders, clipboards, file folders, clip
portfolios, and presentation folders. EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no
language in their specifications for these items that would preclude or discourage the use of products
containing recovered materials.
[PART G - NON-PAPER OFFICE PRODUCTS]
II.G-8
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Part H - Miscellaneous Products
Part H-l ~ Pallets Containing Recovered Wood, Plastic, or Paperboard
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-l, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing pallets.
Table H-l. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Pallets Containing Recovered
Wood, Plastic, or Paperboard
Product
Wooden pallets
Plastic pallets
Plastic lumber
Thermoformed
Paperboard pallets
Material
Wood
Plastic
Plastic
Paperboard
Postconsumer content (%)
95-100
100
25-50
50
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing pallets manufactured from another
material. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing pallets made from wood, plastic, or paperboard,
purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and performance
requirements.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring
pallets:
(1) The Grocery Manufacturers of America issued a widely used standard for 48 by 40-inch stringer pallets
known as the "GMA spec." A copy of this specification is available from the RCRA Hotline at 1-800-424-
9346.
(2) The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association is developing a standard through the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) for repairable 48 by 40-inch lumber-deck pallets. Contact NWPCA at
(703) 527-7667 for current information about the availability of this standard.
(3) U.S. Postal Service specification USPS-P-1108, "Pallet, Nestable, Plastic, Thermoformed (Item No.
3919B)" is for thermoformed HDPE pallets. A copy of the current version, USPS-P-1108E, is available from
the RCRA Hotline at 1-800-424-9346.
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-1
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Section H-2. Sorbents
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-2a, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing sorbent materials for use
in oil and solvent clean-ups and for use as animal bedding.
Table H-2a. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Sorbents Used in Oil and Solvents
Clean-ups and for Use as Animal Bedding
Material
Paper
Textiles
Plastics
Wood
Other Organics/Multi-Materials
Postconsumer Content (%)
90 - 100
95 - 100
~
~
~
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
100
95 - 100
25 - 100
100
100
Notes: "Wood" includes materials such as sawdust and lumber mill trimmings. Examples of "other organics" include,
but are not limited to, peanut hulls and corn stover. An example of "multi-material" sorbents would include, but not be
limited to, a polymer and cellulose fiber combination.
EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing sorbents made from other materials. They
simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing sorbents made from paper, wood, textiles, plastics, or other
organic materials, purchase them made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and
performance requirements.
Specifications: EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in their
specifications for sorbents that would preclude or discourage the use of products containing recovered
materials.
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM specifications in Table H-2b when procuring
sorbents for use on oil and solvent clean-ups.
Table H-2b. ~ ASTM Specifications for Absorbents and Adsorbents
ASTM Specification Number
F 716-81
F 716-82
Title
Standard Method of Testing Sorbent Performance of
Adsorbents
Standard Method of Testing Sorbent Performance of
Absorbents
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-2
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Section H-3. Industrial Drums Containing Recovered Steel, Plastic, and Paper
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-3, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing steel, plastic, or fiber
industrial drums containing recovered materials. EPA further recommends that procuring agencies reuse
drums, purchase or use reconditioned drums, or procure drum reconditioning services, whenever feasible.
Table H-3. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Steel,
Plastic, and Fiber Industrial Drums
Product
Steel drums
Plastic drums
Fiber drums
Material
Steel
HDPE
Paper
Postconsumer content
(%)
16
30-100
100
Total recovered materials
content (%)
25-30
30-100
100
Note: EPA's recommendation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing another type of industrial drum.
It simply requires that procuring agencies, when purchasing steel, plastic, or fiber industrial drums, purchase these items
made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items are
made from steel manufactured in a Basic Oxygen Furnace (EOF). Steel from the EOF process contains 25% - 30% total
recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel.
Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications unique to industrial drums containing recovered materials.
EPA notes that industrial drums containing recovered materials can meet applicable U.S. Department of
Transportation specifications for packaging hazardous materials. Additionally, the National Motor Freight
Traffic Association specifications for containers used to transport goods via truck do not prohibit the use of
industrial drums containing recovered materials.
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-3
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Section H-4. Awards and Plaques
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-4, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing awards and plaques
containing recovered materials.
Table H-4. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
Awards and Plaques Containing Recovered Materials
Material
Glass
Wood
Paper
Plastic and Plastic/Wood
Composite
Postconsumer Content (%)
75 - 100
~
40 - 100
50 - 100
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
100
100
40 - 100
95 - 100
Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing awards or plaques made from other
materials. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing awards or plaques made from paper, wood,
glass, or plastics/plastic composites, purchase them made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable
specifications and performance requirements.
Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications or standards for awards or plaques containing recovered
materials. EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in their specifications
for awards and plaques that would preclude or discourage the use of products containing recovered materials.
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-4
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Section H-5. Mats
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-5, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing mats containing recovered
materials.
Table H-5. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Mats
Material
Rubber
Plastic
Rubber/Plastic Composite
Postconsumer Content (%)
75 - 100
10 - 100
100
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
85 - 100
100
100
Note: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing mats made from other materials.
They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing mats made from rubber and/or plastic, purchase them
made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and performance requirements. When
purchasing mats with steel or aluminum linkages, the Agency recommends that these linkages also contain recovered
materials.
Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications or standards for mats containing recovered materials. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in their specifications for mats that
would preclude or discourage the use of products containing recovered materials. EPA is aware of one
ASTM specification for wrestling mats, but does not believe that this type of mat is purchased in appreciable
quantities by procuring agencies.
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-5
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Section H-6. Manual-Grade Strapping Containing Recovered Steel and Plastic
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-6a, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing manual-grade strapping
containing recovered materials.
Table H-6a. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Manual-Grade Polyester,
Polypropylene, and Steel Strapping
Product
Polyester strapping
Polypropylene strapping
Steel strapping
Material
PET
PP
Steel
Postconsumer content
(%)
50-85
~
16
67
Total recovered
materials content
(%)
50-85
10-40
25-30
100
Notes: EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing another type of strapping, such
as nylon. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing polyester, polypropylene, or steel manual-grade
strapping, purchase these items made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable specifications and
performance requirements.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items can
be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel from
the BOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, of which 16% ispostconsumer steel. Steel from the EAF
process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications unique to strapping containing recovered materials. EPA
notes that strapping containing recovered materials can meet the ASTM strapping specifications and selection
guide listed in Table H-6b.
Table H-6b. - Recommended ASTM Specifications and Guide for Strapping
ASTM Specification/Guide Number
ASTM D 3953
ASTM D 3950
ASTM D 4675
Title
Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel
and Seals
Standard Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic
(and Joining Methods)
Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Flat
Strapping Materials
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-6
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Section H-7. Signage
Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in Table
H-7, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing plastic signs for non-road
applications (e.g., building signs, trail signs) and aluminum signs for roadway or non-road applications
containing recovered materials. EPA also recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels
shown in Table H-7, procuring agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing sign
supports and posts containing recovered plastic or steel.
Table H-7. ~ Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Signs Containing Recovered
Plastic or Aluminum and Sign Posts/Supports Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel
Item/Material
Plastic signs
Aluminum signs
Plastic sign posts/supports
Steel sign posts/supports
Postconsumer Content (%)
80 - 100
25
80 - 100
16
67
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
80 - 100
25
80 - 100
25-30
100
Notes: Plastic signs and signposts are recommended for nonroad applications only such as, but not limited to, railway
signs in parks and directional/informational signs in buildings.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated items can
be made from steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (EOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel from
the EOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered materials, ofwhich 16%ispostconsumer steel. Steel from the EAF
process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, ofwhich 67% is postconsumer.
EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing signs or sign posts made from other
materials. They simply require that procuring agencies, when purchasing signs made from plastic or aluminum or sign
posts made from plastic or steel, purchase them made with recovered materials when these items meet applicable
specifications and performance requirements.
Specifications: EPA is not aware of specifications for non-road signs containing recovered materials.
Standard specifications for road sign size, lettering, color, strength, and performance requirements can be
found in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices," which is published by the Federal Highway
Administration. Applicable portions of this manual have been placed in the RCRA public docket for the
proposed CPG/RMAN III notices.
[PART H - MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS]
II.H-7
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