ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
Summary of Designated Products
Sustainable Facilities Practices Branch
Updated April 6, 2009
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY V^X COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
A) Construction Products 2
1) Building Insulation 2
2) Carpet (Polyester) 3
3) Carpet Cushion 3
4) Cement and Concrete 4
5) Reprocessed and Consolidated Latex Paints for Specified Uses 4
6) Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks 5
7) Flow/able Fill 6
8) Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard 6
9) Modular Threshold Ramps 7
10) Nonpressure Pipe 7
11) Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces 8
12) Roofing Materials 9
13) Shower and Restroom Dividers/Partitions 10
B) Transportation Products 11
1) Channelizers, Delineators, and Flexible Delineators 11
2) Parking Stops 12
3) Traffic Barricades 12
4) Traffic Cones 13
C) Park and Recreation Products 14
1) Park Benches and Picnic Tables 14
2) Plastic Fencing 15
3) Playground Equipment 15
4) Playground Surfaces 16
5) Running Tracks 16
D) Landscaping Products 18
1) Compost and Fertilizer Made From Recovered Organic Materials 18
2) Garden and Soaker Hoses 20
3) Hydraulic Mulch 20
4) Lawn and Garden Edging 21
5) Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts 21
E) Miscellaneous Products 23
1) Bike Racks 23
2) Blasting Grit 23
3) Industrial Drums 24
4) Manual-Grade Strapping 24
5) Mats 25
6) Pallets 25
7) Signage 26
8) Sorbents 27
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
Introduction
The Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) program is part of EPA's continuing effort to promote the
use of materials recovered from solid waste. Buying recycled-content products ensures that the materials
collected in recycling programs will be used again in the manufacture of new products.
The CPG program is authorized by Congress under Section 6002 (PDF) of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) and Executive Order 13423 (PDF). EPA is required to designate products that are or
can be made with recovered materials, and to recommend practices for buying these products. Once a
product is designated, procuring agencies are required to purchase it with the highest recovered material
content level practicable.
In 1995, EPA issued the first CPG which covered EPA's original 5 procurement guidelines and added 19
products. The first CPG update (CPG II), published in November of 1997, designated an additional 12 items.
A second CPG update (CPG III), published in January 2000, designated an additional 18 items. A third CPG
update (CPG IV), published in April 2004, designated an additional seven items and revised three existing
item designations.
EPA also issues guidance on buying recycled-content products in Recovered Materials Advisory Notices
(RMANs). The RMANs recommend recycled-content ranges for CPG products based on current information
on commercially available recycled-content products. RMAN levels are updated as marketplace conditions
change.
A key component of the CPG program is EPA's list of designated products and the accompanying
recycled-content recommendations. EPA has already designated or is proposing to designate the
products listed below. They are grouped into eight categories:
• Construction Products
• Landscaping Products
• Nonpaper Office Products
• Paper and Paper Products
• Park and Recreation Products
• Transportation Products
• Vehicular Products
• Miscellaneous Products
EPA also published final or proposed recycled-content recommendations for each item. All proposals,
designations, and recommendations are published in the Federal Register.
This document contains a brief description for each of the designated products listed below. You also
can view EPA's recommended recycled-content ranges and access a Supplier Directory which includes
manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers for each item.
Note: CPG products do not include biobased products. EPA's web site does not have information on
them. Biobased products are designated by the US Department of Agriculture as a requirement of the
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (2002 Farm Bill), Section 9002. Information can be found on
the USDA BioPreferred web site.
Product Information:
Database of Manufacturers and Suppliers
GSA Advantage!
CPG products can be ordered through the General Service Administration's (GSA's) online ordering system.
In addition, GSA publishes various supply catalogues, guides, and schedules for recycled-content products
available through the Federal Supply Service.
Updated 4-27-09 1
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
A) Construction Products
1) Building Insulation
Insulation made from recovered materials is available for thermal insulating applications. The product is
available in several forms including rolls, loose-fill, and spray foam. Insulation also can include a range of
recovered materials such as glass, slag, paper fiber, and plastics. One manufacturer grinds postconsumer
glass bottles into a substitute for the sand used in glass fibers. Others use slag for rock wool or old
newspaper for cellulose insulation.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Building
Insulation 1
Product
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Rock Wool
Fiberglass
Cellulose Loose-
Fill and Spray-
On
Slag
Glass Gullet
Postconsumer
Paper
PprlitP
£ , Postconsumer
Composite ...
BoarS Paper
Plastic Rigid Foam, Polyisocyanurate/F
Rigid Foam
Foam-in-Place
Glass Fiber
Reinforced
Phenolic Rigid
Foam
Plastic, Non-
Woven Batt
-
~
-
Recovered and/or
Postconsumer
Plastics
-
~
75
23
75
20-25
75
23
Dolyurethane:
~
-
~
-
~
9
5
6
5
100
1 The recommended recovered materials content levels are based on the weight (not volume) of materials in the
insulating core only.
Product Specifications:
In 1993, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) issued a standard for the composition of
cullet used in the manufacture of fiberglass insulation, D 5359, "Glass Gullet Recovered from Waste for Use
in Manufacture of Glass Fiber." EPA recommends that procuring agencies reference this specification in
Invitations for Bid and Requests for Proposals.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
2) Carpet (Polyester)
NOTE: In most all instances, use of polyester carpet is not appropriate for EPA facilities.
EPA designated recycled-content polyester carpet for moderate-wear applications. Recycled fiber polyester
carpet is manufactured from PET recovered soda bottles.
Product
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Carpet1
Total Recovered
Material Postconsumer Content
Polyester Carpet Face Fiber PET
25-100
25-100
1 EPA recommends that, based on the recovered materials content levels shown in the table above, procuring agencies
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing polyester carpet for moderate-wear applications. This
recommendation does not include polyester carpet for use in heavy-wear or severe-wear applications.
Product Specifications:
Procuring agencies should also refer to GSA's minimum density recommendations, as follows:
• Cut pile constructions: 5,000 ounces/yard 3 minimum density
• Loop pile constructions: 4,500 ounces/yard 3 minimum density
While numerous carpet specifications exist, the members of the carpet industry do not utilize any universal
standards. Specifications vary and are determined based on the particular factors of the installation. The
project's designer, architect, general contractor, and/or facility manager typically decide the specifications.
Some procuring agencies, such as the Department of the Army and the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, have developed their own specifications for end-use carpet applications. These specifications
should be readily available to procurement officials in those agencies.
3) Carpet Cushion
Carpet cushion, also known as carpet underlay, is padding placed beneath carpet. Carpet cushion improves
the insulation properties of carpet, reduces the impact of foot traffic or furniture indentation, enhances
comfort, and prolongs appearance. It is available in a variety of thicknesses-the most common being %- and
1/2-inch and used in both residential and commercial settings. Carpet cushions made from bonded urethane,
jute, synthetic fiber, and rubber can be made from recovered materials.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Carpet Cushion 1
Product
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
15-50
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
15-50
Jute
Synthetic fibers
Rubber
Burlap
Carpet fabrication scrap
Tire rubber
40
-
60-90
40
100
60-90
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 requirement. Refer to Section C-4 in RMAN I for EPA's recommendations for purchasing polyester carpet
containing recovered materials.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
Product 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.
4) Cement and Concrete
Coal fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace (GGBF) slag, cenospheres, and silica fumes are recovered
materials that are readily available in some areas for use as ingredients in cement or concrete. Coal fly ash
is a byproduct of coal burning at electric utility plants. Slag is a byproduct of iron blast furnaces. The slag is
ground into granules finer than Portland cement and can be used as an ingredient in concrete. Cenospheres
are small, inert, lightweight, hollow, glass spheres that are a component of coal fly ash. They can be added
to cement to produce a specialty, high performance concrete. Silica fume is a waste material recovered from
alloyed metal production. It can also be added to cement to produce a high performance concrete.
Recommended Recovered Materials Content Ranges:
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, ground
granulated blast furnace slag (GGBF slag), cenospheres, or silica fume, 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 all of these recovered materials and choose the one (or the
mixture of them) 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, or silica fume, where appropriate. Due to variations in
cement, strength requirements, costs, and construction practices, EPA is not recommending recovered
materials content levels for cement or concrete containing coal fly ash, GGBF slag, cenospheres, or silica
fume. 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.
• According to industry sources, cement and concrete containing cenospheres typically contains a
minimum of 10 percent cenospheres (by volume).
• According to industry sources, cement and concrete containing silica fume typically contains silica
fume that constitutes 5 to 10 percent of cementitious material on a dry weight basis.
Product Specifications:
Learn more about specifications for cement and concrete containing recovered materials.
5) Reprocessed and Consolidated Latex Paints for Specified Uses
Reprocessed paint is postconsumer latex paint that has been sorted by a variety of characteristics including
type (i.e., interior or exterior), light and dark colors, and finish (e.g., high-gloss versus flat). Reprocessed
paint is available in various colors and is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Consolidated
paint consists of postconsumer latex paint with similar characteristics (e.g., type, color family, and finish) that
Updated 4-27-09 4
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
is consolidated at the point of collection. Consolidated paint is typically used for exterior applications or as an
undercoat.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Reprocessed
and Consolidated Latex Paints 1
Product
Reprocessed Latex Paint:
Postconsumer Total Recovered
Content (%) Materials Content (%)
- White, Off-White, Pastel Colors
- Grey, Brown, Earthtones, and Other
Dark Colors
Consolidated Latex Paint
20
50-99
100
20
50-99
100
EPA's recommendation does not preclude agencies from purchasing paints manufactured from other, non-latex
materials, 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.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer to GSA commercial item description (CID) A-A-3185 when
purchasing recycled paint. Currently, the CID is not available electronically.
6) Floor Tiles and Patio Blocks
Floor tiles for heavy duty or commercial specialty applications can contain up to 100 percent postconsumer
rubber. They are made from used truck and airline tires. Floor tiles containing 90 to 100 percent recovered
plastic are also readily available. Patio blocks made from 90 to 100 percent recovered plastic and 90 to 100
percent postconsumer rubber are used in garden walkways and trails.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Floor Tiles and Patio
Rlrtrkc 1
Product
Patio Blocks
Floor Tiles
(heavy
duty/commercial
use)
Material
Rubber or Rubber
Blends
Rubber or Rubber
Blends
Rubber
Plastic
Postconsumer
Content
90-100
~
90-100
~
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
90-100
-
90-100
EPA clarified in the Federal Register (FR) at 62 FR 60995, November 13, 1997, that the use of floor tiles with
recovered materials content might 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.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
7) Flowable Fill
Flow/able fill is commonly used as an economical fill or backfill in road construction. It is usually a mixture of
coal fly ash, water, a coarse aggregate (such as sand), and portland cement. Flowable fill can take the place
of concrete, compacted soils, or sand commonly used to fill around pipes or void areas. Other applications
include filling in bridge abutments, foundation subbases, or abandoned man holes and wells. Flowable fill
can help put significant quantities of coal fly ash and spent foundry sand, two types of recovered materials,
back to good use.
Recommended Recovered Materials Content Ranges:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use flowable fill containing coal fly ash and/or ferrous foundry
sands for backfill and other fill applications. Specific content levels will depend on the specifics of the job,
including the type of coal fly ash (Class C or Class F) or foundry sand used, strength, set time, flowability
needed, bleeding, and shrinkage. See table showing typical proportions for high and low coal fly ash content
mixtures.
Product Specifications:
• EPA recommends that procuring agencies use ACI229R-94 and the American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) standards when purchasing flowable fill or contracting for construction that
involves backfilling or other fill applications. View a list of recommended ASTM standards.
• See a list of states with specifications for flowable fill containing coal fly ash.
• No national test methods or specifications exist for flowable fill mixtures containing foundry sand.
Ohio has a specification entitled, "Flowable Fill Made With Spent Foundry Sand," however. In
addition, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Indiana are developing specifications.
8) Structural Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard
Structural fiberboard is a panel made from wood, cane, or paper fibers matted together which is used for
sheathing, structural, and insulating purposes. Laminated paperboard is made from one or more plies of
kraft paper bonded together and is used for decorative, structural, or insulating purposes. Examples of these
products include building board, insulating formboard, sheathing, and acoustical and non-acoustical ceiling
tile.
[
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Structural
Fiberboard and Laminated Paperboard 1
O™H „* MO+O.--,,! Postconsumer Total Recovered
Product Material Content Materja|s Content (%)
Structural
Fiberboard
Laminated
Paperboard
"
-
Postconsumer .__
Paper
80-100
100
1 The recovered materials content levels are based on the weight (not volume) of materials in the insulating core only.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use American Society for Testing and Materials (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 should do the
following:
• Reference the technical requirements of ASTM C 208, "Insulating Board (Cellulosic Fiber), Structural
and Decorative."
• Permit structural fiberboard products made from recovered paper where appropriate.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
• Permit products, such as floor underlayment and roof overlay, containing recovered paper.
In addition, EPA 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.
9) Modular Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps are used to modify door thresholds and other small rises to remove barriers that changes
in level landing create, particularly with regards to access by people with disabilities. Modular threshold
ramps are typically used for retrofitting buildings to comply with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968,
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Modular threshold ramps made from rubber, aluminum, and steel can be
made from recovered materials.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content
Levels for Modular Threshold Ramps
Material
Steel 1
Aluminum
Rubber
Postconsumer
Content (%)
16-67
-
100
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
25-100
10
100
1 The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated item
may contain steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), or a
combination of both. Steel from the BOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered steel, of which 16% is
postconsumer. Steel from the EAF process contains 100% total recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
According to industry sources, modular threshold ramps containing a combination of BOF and EAF steel would
contain 25% - 85% total recovered steel, of which 16% - 67% would be postconsumer. Since there is no way of
knowing which type of steel was used in the manufacture of the item, the postconsumer and total recovered material
content ranges in this table encompass the whole range of possibilities, i.e., the use of EAF steel only, BOF steel only,
or a combination of the two. These recommendations are for modular threshold ramps. EPA understands that ramps
may also be constructed of cement and concrete. For these ramps, procuring agencies should follow the procurement
guidelines for cement and concrete containing recovered materials.
Product Specifications:
Although the federal government is not governed by ADA, the Access Board's ADA standards are more
current than the UFAS and are therefore generally used by federal facilities. According to the "Americans
with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities" (28 CFR Part 36), published in the
Federal Register, July 26, 1991, ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible rooms
and spaces including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
The guidelines do not define what is meant by "stable, firm, and slip-resistant," but the Access Board
recommends static coefficient of friction values of 0.8 for ramps and 0.6 for accessible routes.
10) Nonpressure Pipe
Nonpressure pipe is used throughout the United States as drainage pipe and conduit in construction,
communications, municipal, industrial, agricultural, and mining applications. Nonpressure pipe containing
steel, plastic, or cement can be made from recovered materials.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials
Content for Nonpressure Pipe
Material
Steel 1
HOPE
PVC
Cement
Postconsumer
Content (%)
16
67
100
5-15
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
25-30
100
100
25-100
Refer to the cement and
concrete specifications.
1 The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated item 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 steel, of which, 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from the
EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which, 67% is postconsumer steel.
Product Specifications:
Learn more about specifications for nonpressure pipe containing recovered materials.
11) Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces
Railroad grade crossings are surfacing materials placed between railroad tracks, and between the track and
the road at highway and street railroad crossings, to enhance automobile and pedestrian safety. Railroad
grade crossings are made from recovered rubber, concrete containing coal fly ash, steel, wood, or plastic.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Railroad
Grade Crossings
Surface
Material
Recovered
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Concrete Coal Fly Ash n
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
15-20
Rubber2
Steel 3
Wood4
Plastic b
Tire rubber
Steel
Wood or wood
composite
Plastic or plastic
composite
~
16
67
90-97
85-95
85-95
25-30
100
90-97
100
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 more workable and durable product but can prolong the curing
process.
The recommended recovered materials content for rubber railroad grade crossing surfaces are based on the weight of
the raw materials, exclusive of any additives such as binders or adhesives.
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).
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
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.
Railroad grade crossing surfaces made from recovered wood may also contain other recovered materials such as
plastics. The percentages of these materials contained in the product would also count toward the recovered materials
content level of the item.
Railroad grade crossing surfaces made from recovered plastics may also contain other recovered materials such as
auto shredder residue, which contains a mix of materials. The percentages of these materials contained in the product
would also count toward the recovered materials content level of the item.
Product Specifications:
Learn more about specifications for railroad grade crossing surfaces containing recovered materials.
12) Roofing Materials
A building's roof system and its finished roofing materials shield a structure's interior from natural elements.
Roofing systems generally fall into two general categories: 1) high-sloped or "pitched" roofs (residential) and
2) low-sloped or flat roofs (commercial). These two types of systems generally are constructed differently
and use different materials, although some materials are used for both residential and commercial systems.
EPA's designation specifically covers roofing materials containing steel, aluminum, fiber, rubber, plastic or
plastic composites, and cement.
Recovered Materials Content Recommendations for Roofing
Materials
Material
Aluminum
Postconsumer
Content (%)
16
67
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
25-30
100
20-95
Fiber (felt) for Fiber
Composite
Rubber
12-100
20-95
50-100
100
Plastic or
Plastic/Rubber
Composite
Wood/Plastic
Composite
100
100
Cement
100
Refer to the cement and
concrete specifications.
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated item 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 steel, of which, 16% is postconsumer steel. Steel from the
EAF process contains a total of 100% recovered steel, of which, 67% is postconsumer steel.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies refer to the 186 standards for roofing products maintained by
ASTM's Committee DOS on Roofing, Waterproofing, and Bituminous Materials.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
13) Shower and Restroom Dividers/Partitions
Shower and restroom dividers/partitions are made of 20 to 100 percent recovered plastic or steel. They are
used to separate individual shower, toilet, and urinal compartments in commercial and institutional facilities.
EPA's designation specifically covers shower and restroom dividers/partitions containing recovered plastic or
steel.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Shower and Restroom
Dividers/Partitions Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel
Total Recovered Materials Content (%)
Material
Steel 1
Plastic
Postconsumer Content
16
67
20-100
Total F
25-30
100
20-100
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.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring shower and
restroom dividers/partitions:
• 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.
• US Army Corps of Engineers' Guide Specification CEGS-10160, "Toilet Partitions."
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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B) Transportation Products
1) Channelizers, Delineators, and Flexible Delineators
Channelizers: Channelizers are barrels or drums that direct traffic around areas of road repair or
construction. Channelizers are designed and colored to be highly visible and can be constructed
from recovered HDPE and rubber. The bases of the drums are weighted to provide stability and are often
made from used tires.
Delineators: Delineators are temporary pavement markers that come in many shapes, sizes, and designs.
They are manufactured primarily from recovered and postconsumer HDPE. Delineator bases are either steel
stakes that can be driven into the ground or rubber to support the delineator on the road surface.
Flexible Delineators: These products come in the form of stakes and are driven into the ground. The
product is flexible enough so that vehicles can strike them without causing damage to the vehicle or
delineator. They are used at golf courses, airports, military bases, shopping centers, and recreation areas.
EPA's designation specifically covers Channelizers, delineators, and flexible delineators containing
recovered plastic, rubber, or steel.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Channelizers,
Delineators, and Flexible Delineators Containing Recovered Plastic, Rubber, or Steel1
Product
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)2
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Channelizers
Delineators
Flexible
Delineators
Plastic
Rubber2 (base only)
Plastic
Rubber (base only)
Steel f (base only)
Plastic
25-95
100
25-90
100
16
67
25-85
25-95
100
25-90
100
25-30
100
25-85
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.
2 Content levels are based on the dry weight of the raw materials, exclusive of any additives such as adhesives,
binders, or coloring agents.
3 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.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring Channelizers,
delineators, and flexible delineators:
• 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.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
• 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 has specifications
for "Driving Flexible Plastic Guide Marker and Clearance Marker Posts."
2) Parking Stops
Commonly found in parking lots, parking stops are used to mark spaces and keep vehicles from rolling
beyond a designated parking area. EPA's designation specifically covers parking stops made from concrete
or containing recovered plastic or rubber.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Parking Stops Made
from Concrete or Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber1
'
Postconsumer
Content(%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
'Ash
Granulated
100
"
-
20-40 3
oc 7n
ZO-/U
Material
Plastic and/or Rubberz
Concrete Containing Coal Fly Ash
Concrete Containing Grounc
Blast Furnace Slag (GGBF)
Transportation products containing recovered materials must conform to the Manual on Uniform Highway Traffic
Control Devices used by the Federal Highway Administration, as well as other applicable federal requirements and
specifications.
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.
Generally, 20 to 30 percent, but could be up to 40 percent. Fifteen percent when used as a partial cement
replacement as an admixture in concrete.
Product Specifications:
American Society for Testing and Materials (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.
3) Traffic Barricades
Traffic barricades can be used to redirect or restrict traffic in areas of highway construction or repair. They
are typically made from wood, steel, plastic, fiberglass, or a combination of these materials. Many
manufacturers have switched to the use of recycled materials in both the supporting frame and rails of the
barricades. EPA's designation covers only Types I and II traffic barricades.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Traffic Barricades (Types I and II)1
Material Postconsumer Content (%) Total Recovered Materials Content (%)
Plastic
(HOPE, LDPE, PET)
Steel3
Fiberglass
80-100
16
67
-
100
25-30
100
100
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
The recommended 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
BDF 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.
4) Traffic Cones
Traffic cones are used to mark a road hazard or to direct traffic. Recovered plastics are used in the upper
component of the cones, and crumb rubber and/or plastics are used in the base.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels
for Traffic Cones
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)1
Material
Postconsumer
Materials (%):
Plastic (PVC and LDPE)
Crumb rubber
50-100
50-100
Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices
1 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.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
C) Park and Recreation Products
1) Park Benches and Picnic Tables
Park benches and picnic tables are typically found in parks, outdoor recreational facilities, and on the
grounds of office buildings. Recycled milk jugs and aluminum and steel cans can be used to manufacture
these items.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels
for Park Benches and Picnic Tables
l""ll n.t
•
Product
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Plastics '
Plastic composites
Aluminum
Concrete
Steel 'l
90-100
50-100
25
~
16
67
100
100
25
15-40
25-30
100
"Plastics" includes both single and mixed plastic resins. Park benches and picnic tables 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.
2 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.
Product Specifications:
Plastic lumber cannot be tested using the same tests already developed for virgin plastic. Tests on virgin
plastic are performed on small cross-sections of the material. This is an accurate indicator of how the virgin
plastic will perform as it is a homogeneous material. Plastic lumber, however, is not homogeneous in its
construction, so tests on a cross-section of this material do not accurately predict how a length of lumber will
perform in certain circumstances. For this reason, new test methods have been developed for lengths of
lumber. These test methods apply to all types of plastic lumber or equivalent materials that are not
homogeneous at the cross-section. These ASTM test methods are as follows:
• 6108-97 Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber.
• 6109-97 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic
Lumber.
• 6111-97 Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
by Displacement.
• 6112-97 Standard Test Method for Compressive and Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of Plastic
Lumber and Shapes.
• 6117-97 Standard Test Method for Mechanical Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
ASTM is working on draft test methods for shear properties.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
2) Plastic Fencing
Plastic fencing containing recovered materials can be used to control drifting snow and sand and as a
warning or safety barrier at construction sites. Plastic fencing used in these applications goes by many
names — snow fencing, temporary fencing, beach or dune fencing, warning barrier, and safety barrier. Such
fencing is constructed from recovered and postconsumer HDPE in an open-weave pattern or from wood
slats held together with wire strands. EPA's designation specifically covers plastic fencing containing
recovered plastic.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content
Levels for Fencing Containing Recovered Plastic 1
Material: Postconsumer Total Recovered
Content (%): Materials Content (%):
Plastic 60-100 90-100
Designation includes fencing containing recovered plastic for use in controlling snow or sand drifting and as a
warning/safety barrier in construction or other applications.
Product 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 4 to 6 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 6-foot safety barrier fencing. The New York specification
also addressed mesh size, porosity, service temperature range, and strength for each application.
3) Playground Equipment
Slides, swings, climbing equipment, merry-go-rounds, and seesaws are all different types of playground
equipment. These items can be made with recovered wood, steel, aluminum, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, and PP.
A typical set of playground equipment made with recovered-content plastic lumber can contain plastic
recovered from between 31,500 and 63,000 milk and water jugs.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Playground Equipment
Material Postconsumer Content (%) Total Recovered Materials Content (%)
Plastics n
Plastic composites
Steel 2
Aluminum
90-100
50-75
16
67
25
100
95-100
25-30
100
25
"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.
Product Specifications:
Updated 4-27-09 15
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the specifications found in the US Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) Publication No. 325 (Handbook for Public Playground Safety) and ASTM standard F-
1487-95, Safety Performance Specifications for Playground Equipment for Public Use, 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 listed below for playground
equipment made from plastic lumber. These test methods are:
• 6108-97 Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber.
• 6109-97 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic
Lumber.
• 6111-97 Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
by Displacement.
• 6112-97 Standard Test Method for Compressive and Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of Plastic
Lumber and Shapes.
• 6117-97 Standard Test Method for Mechanical Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
ASTM is working on draft test methods for shear properties.
4) Playground Surfaces
Playground surfaces can contain recovered rubber and PVC materials that are often more desirable than
wood chips, sand, or asphalt, because they can provide more cushioning and thereby may be safer for
children. You can find playground surfaces made with recovered materials at schools, military bases, and
housing developments.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials
Content Levels for Playground Surfaces 1'2
Material: Postconsumer Content (%):
Rubber or Plastic 90-100
1 EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing playground surfaces manufactured
from another material. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing playground surfaces made
from rubber or plastic, purchase these items made from recovered materials.
2 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.
Product Specifications:
• Federal agency installations must comply with applicable state or local construction codes.
• The Consumer Products Safety Commission requires that playground surfaces meet certain
performance standards to reduce head injuries, including ASTM specification F 1292, pertaining to
impact attenuation standards.
• Playground surfacing must also comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provides that
mobility-impaired persons cannot be prohibited from access to public places.
5) Running Tracks
Running tracks can contain both recovered rubber and plastic. In fact, running tracks made with recovered
rubber have been constructed at universities, schools, military bases, the U.S. Olympics, and at the White
House.
Updated 4-27-09 16
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials
Content Levels for Running Tracks 1'2
Material:
Rubber or Plastic
Postconsumer Content (%):
90-100
1 EPA's recommendation does not preclude procuring agencies from purchasing running tracks manufactured from
another material. It simply recommends that procuring agencies, when purchasing running tracks made from rubber or
plastic, purchase these items made from recovered materials.
2 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.
Product Specifications:
Federal agency installations must comply with applicable state or local construction codes.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
D) Landscaping Products
1) Compost and Fertilizer Made From Recovered Organic Materials
Mature compost is defined as a thermophilic converted product with high humus content that can be used as
a soil amendment and can prevent or remediate pollutants in soil, air, and storm water run-off. Compost's
various uses improve soil quality and productivity as well as prevent and control erosion. Mixed organic
materials, such as animal manure, yard trimmings, food waste, and biosolids, must go through a controlled
heat process before they can be used as high quality, biologically stable, and mature compost.
Fertilizer, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a single or blended substance containing one
or more recognized plant nutrient(s) used primarily for its plant nutrient content claimed to have value in
promoting plant growth. While compost contains many of the same characteristics as fertilizer, such as
nutrients, it is not considered a complete fertilizer unless amended.
The recovered organic materials from which compost and fertilizer are made include, but are not limited to,
yard waste, food waste, manure and biosolids. Additional organic materials are listed on pages 4-8 of the
document below, CPG V Appendices (Biosolids, Manure, and Fertilizers) (PDF) (30 pp, 112K, About PDF).
EPA recognizes that these organic materials are the most commonly used in commercially available
compost but other organic materials could also be used. Yard waste utilizes organic waste from lawns and
gardens, such as grass, leaves, and twigs, to create an effective soil amendment or fertilizer. Food waste is
similarly comprised of items such as fruit and vegetable trimmings and kitchen preparation residuals.
Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge. When treated
and processed, these residuals can be recycled and applied as fertilizer or compost to improve and maintain
productive soils and stimulate plant growth. Manure is an agricultural waste not generally captured in
collection programs, but nonetheless, is generated in high volumes and can offer multiple beneficial uses
including nutrients for crop production and organic matter to improve soil properties.
Recommended Recovered Materials Content Ranges:
EPA does not recommend any content ranges for either compost or fertilizer since both are generally made
exclusively from recovered organic materials.
Compost
EPA's Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN) recommends that procuring agencies purchase or use
compost made from recovered organic materials in such applications as landscaping, seeding of grasses or
other plants on roadsides and embankments, 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 organic materials,
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.
Fertilizer
Fertilizers made from recovered organic materials can contain up to 100 percent recovered materials and
can have a mixture of various plant, animal, and mineral content depending on the desired use and the
manufacturer.
EPA's Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN) recommends that procuring agencies purchase or use
fertilizers made from recovered organic materials in such applications as agriculture and crop production,
landscaping, horticulture, parks and other recreational facilities, on school campuses, and for golf course
and turf maintenance.
Fertilizer is often characterized by its Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium value or NPK value. The NPK
value represents the percentage of fertilizer that each element composes. For example, an NPK of 3-2-1
indicates that a fertilizer is composed of 3 percent nitrogen, 2 percent phosphorous, and 1 percent
potassium. These are the elements that most plants require for growth. For more information on the NPK
Updated 4-27-09 18
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
values for fertilizers please refer to the Technical Background Document (PDF) (30 pp, 112K, About
PDF) for fertilizer.
Product Specifications:
EPA issued regulations in 1993 that limit the pollutants and pathogens in biosolids, entitled "The Standards
for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge," (40 CFR part 503). If biosolids are included as part of the
compost or fertilizer, part 503 land application requirements in effect ensure that any biosolids that are land
applied, through compost or fertilizers, contain pathogens and metals that are below specified levels to
protect the health of humans, animals, and plants.
EPA recommends procuring agencies refer to the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) which has
developed guidelines and lists of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and
handling of organically grown products. EPA also recommends procuring agencies refer to U.S. Department
of Agriculture's National Organic Program (NOP)regulations, which prohibit the use of biosolids in organic
production. Procuring agencies should also check for individual state and other applicable federal and local
government regulations on the use of organic fertilizer and compost.
Compost
EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in their specifications related to
landscaping, soil amendments, erosion control, or soil reclamation that would preclude or discourage the use
of compost. If, for instance, 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 US 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.
In addition, EPA recommends that procuring agencies obtain the following specification and adapt it or
another suitable specification for their use in purchasing compost products:
• The state of Maine developed quality standards for compost products that are used by its agencies
and/or purchased with state funds. Quality standards were 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 were
established. Write: Maine Department of Environmental Protection, 17 State House Station,
Augusta, Maine, 04333, phone: 207 287-7688 or 800 452-1942.
The U.S. Composting Council (USCC) is helping to define and develop industry wide standards for
composts made from recovered organic materials. The Composting Council publishes these standards in
"Test Methods for Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC)." TMECC is a laboratory manual that
provides detailed protocols for the composting industry to sample, monitor, and analyze materials at all
stages of the composting process to help maintain process control, verify process attributes, assure worker
safety, and avoid degradation to the environment in and around the composting facility. The USCC also
offers the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) program, a compost testing and information disclosure program
that uses the TMECC. Participating compost producers regularly sample and test their products using STA
program approved labs. The USCC then certifies the participants' compost as "STA certified compost" and
allows the use of the STA logo on product packaging and literature. Procuring agencies can consider
specifying STA certified compost, especially for applications that require consistent quality.
Fertilizer
EPA recommends that procuring agencies ensure that there is no language in their specifications relating to
such applications as agriculture and crop production, landscaping, horticulture, parks and other recreational
facilities, on school campuses, and for golf course and turf maintenance that would preclude or discourage
the use of fertilizers made from recovered organic materials.
Updated 4-27-09 19
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \^~^/ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
In proposing to designate fertilizers made from recovered organic materials in the CPG, EPA is not placing
any limitations on the organic materials, but rather is relying on federal, state, and local regulations and
guidance, as well as existing industry standards.
2) Garden and Soaker Hoses
A garden hose conducts water through its tubing to a specific location using a nozzle, while a soaker hose is
perforated tubing that gently irrigates gardens or planted areas. Recovered-content garden and soaker
hoses help create new uses for old tires and recycled plastics. EPA's designation specifically covers garden
and soaker hoses containing recovered plastic or rubber.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Garden and
Soaker Hoses Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber1
Product Material Postconsumer Content (%)
Garden Hose Rubber and/or Plastic 60-65
Soaker Hose Rubber and/or Plastic 60-70
1 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.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring garden and
soaker hoses:
• ASTM D3901 Consumer Specification for Garden Hose. This specification addresses physical and
performance characteristics (i.e., pressure, tensile, and ripping strength tests) and states that the
material components are to be agreed upon by the purchaser and seller.
• Green Seal GC-2: Watering Hoses. This standard calls for 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.
3) Hydraulic Mulch
Hydraulic mulch is comprised of small pieces of cellulose fibers, which can be made completely from wood
waste or recovered paper. It stabilizes soil, prevents wind and water erosion, and provides protection and
warmth for seeds, helping them grow. Through hydroseeding, a mixture of water, seeds, and hydraulic
mulch is sprayed over bare soil to quickly promote plant growth.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Hydraulic Mulch Products 1
D^^..^ MO**.-!..! Postconsumer Total Recovered
Product Material _ . .../„/» » *. - • ~ + *./<./»
Content (%): Materials Content (%):
Paper-Based Hydraulic Mulch Paper 100 100
Wood-Based Hydraulic Mulch Wood and Paper - 100
1 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.
Updated 4-27-09 20
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
4) Lawn and Garden Edging
Lawn and garden edging creates a barrier between lawns and landscaped areas or garden beds. The
underground portion helps keep grass and weeds out of flower and vegetable beds. Lawn and garden
edging can be manufactured with scrap rubber, milk jugs, and other plastic containers. EPA's designation
specifically covers lawn and garden edging containing recovered plastic or rubber.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Lawn and Garden
Edging Containing Recovered Plastic or Rubber1
Material:
Postconsumer
Content (%):
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%):
Plastic and/or Rubber 30-100
30-100
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.
5) Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts
Landscaping timbers and posts are used as raised beds, retaining walls, and terracing. Plastic lumber
landscaping timbers and posts are used in urban plazas, zoos, and outside office buildings-in fact, the
National Park Service alone has more than a dozen projects planned with these recycled-content products.
Timbers and posts manufactured with plastic or composite (plastic mixed with wood or fiberglass) lumber
give new life to recovered wood and plastic materials such as milk jugs and plastic bags.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Plastic
Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts 1
unc
Material
Postconsumer
Content
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Mixed plastics/Sawdust
HDPE/Fiberglass
Other mixed resins
50
75
50-100
100
95
95-100
1 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.
Product Specifications:
Plastic lumber cannot be tested using the same tests already developed for virgin plastic. Tests on virgin
plastic are performed on small cross-sections of the material. This is an accurate indicator of how the virgin
plastic will perform as it is a homogeneous material. Plastic lumber, however, is not homogeneous in its
construction, so tests on a cross-section of this material do not accurately predict how a length of lumber will
perform in certain circumstances. For this reason, new test methods have been developed for lengths of
lumber. These test methods apply to all types of plastic lumber or equivalent materials that are not
homogeneous at the cross-section. These test methods are as follows:
• 6108-03 Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY x&™^ COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
• 6109-03 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic
Lumber.
• 6111-03 Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
by Displacement.
• 6435-99 Standard Test Methods for Shear Properties of Plastic Lumber and Plastic Lumber
Shapes.
• 6112-97 Standard Test Method for Compressive and Flexural Creep and Creep Rupture of Plastic
Lumber and Shapes.
• 6117-97 Standard Test Method for Mechanical Fasteners in Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
ASTM is working on draft test methods for shear properties.
Updated 4-27-09 22
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
E) Miscellaneous Products
1) Bike Racks
Bike racks provide a method for cyclists to secure their bicycles safely. Commonly found in public areas,
bike racks can be designed to hold 1 to 50 bicycles and can be free standing units, anchored by bolts or
cement, or embedded into the ground.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Bike Racks
Material Postconsumer Content (%) Total Recovered Materials Content (%)
Steel1
16
HOPE
100
25-30
100
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated item is
generally made from steel manufactured in a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF). Steel from the BOF process contains 25%
- 30% total recovered steel, of which, 16% is postconsumer steel.
Product Specifications:
EPA did not identify any industry standards or specifications that would preclude the use of recovered
materials in bike racks.
2) Blasting Grit
Blasting grit is an industrial abrasive used to shape, cut, sharpen, or finish a variety of other surfaces and
materials. Abrasives are used in many industries, including construction, automotive, and landscaping and
can be fashioned for use on metals, ceramics, carbides, composites, glass, and plastics.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Blasting Grit
Material Postconsumer Content (%) Total Recovered Materials Content (%)
Steel '
Coal Slag
Copper and Nickel Slag
Bottom Ash
Glass
Glass/Plastic
Fused Alumina Oxide
Walnut Shells
16-67
~
-
~
100
20
100
25-100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated item
may contain steel manufactured in either a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) or an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), or a
combination of both. Steel from the BOF process contains 25% - 30% total recovered steel, of which 16% is
postconsumer. Steel from the EAF process contains 100% total recovered steel, of which 67% is postconsumer.
According to industry sources, blasting grit containing a combination of BOF and EAF steel would contain 25% - 85%
total recovered steel, of which 16% - 67% would be postconsumer. Since there is no way of knowing which type of
steel was used in the manufacture of the item, the postconsumer and total recovered material content ranges in this
table encompass the whole range of possibilities, i.e., the use of EAF steel only, BOF steel only, or a combination of
the two.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
Product Specifications:
EPA did not find any specifications that would preclude the use of recovered materials in blasting grit. EPA
recommends that procuring agencies exercise OSHA or other required standard safety practices when using
blasting grit, particularly when using blasting grit containing slag materials
3) Industrial Drums
An industrial drum is a cylindrical container used for shipping and storing liquid or solid materials. According
to the Plastic Drum Institute (PDI), between 12 and 15 million plastic drums are manufactured annually. Most
drums are used to ship chemical and petroleum products. Steel, plastic, and pressed fiberboard drums can
be manufactured with recovered steel, HDPE, and paperboard, respectively.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Steel, Plastic, and Fiber Industrial
Drums 1
Product
Steel drums Steel2
Plastic drums HDPE
Fiber drums Paper
16
30-100
100
Total Recovered Materials Content (%)
25-30
30-100
100
EPA's recommendations do not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing another type of industrial drum. They
require that a procuring agency, when purchasing industrial drums made from steel, plastic, or fiber, purchase these
items made with recovered materials when they meet applicable specifications and performance requirements.
2 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 (BOF). Steel from the BOF process contains 25-30%
total recovered materials, of which 16% is postconsumer steel.
Product Specifications:
• Industrial drums containing recovered materials can meet applicable US Department of
Transportation Specifications for packaging hazardous materials.
• The National Motor Freight Traffic Association also develops performance specifications for
containers used to transport goods via truck. Their specifications do not specify materials and do not
prohibit the use of recovered materials.
4) Manual-Grade Strapping
Strapping is used in transport packaging to hold products in place on pallets or in other methods of
commercial, bulk shipment to prevent tampering and pilferage during shipping. EPA's designation is limited
to manual-grade strapping products that are made from recovered PP, PET, and steel.
El
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Manual-Grade
Polyester, Polypropylene, and Steel Strapping
Product
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Polyester strapping
Polypropylene strapping
Steel strapping n
PET
PP
Steel
50-80
-
16
67
50-85
10-40
25-30
100
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
1 The recommended recovered materials content levels for steel in this table reflect the fact that the designated item 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.
Product Specifications:
Specifications and guidance for breaking strength, elongation, and other characteristics of various types of
strapping can be found in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards listed in the
following table. These specifications neither recommend nor preclude the use of recovered materials.
ASTM Specification or
Guidance Number
ASTM D 3953
ASTM Recommended Specifications and Guide for Strapping
Title
ASTM D 3950
ASTM D 4675
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
Source: ASTM, 1990; ASTM, 1991; ASTM, 1994; ASTM, 1995
5) Mats
Mats are temporary or semipermanent protective floor coverings used for numerous applications including
protecting carpet from wear and tear or providing traction on stairs or slippery floors. Manufacturing mats
with recovered content diverts a whole range of materials from disposal including postconsumer
rubber, PVC, HDPE, LDPE, PET, PP, and some metals.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Mats 1
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Rubber
Plastic
75-100
10-100
Rubber/Plastic Composite 100
85-100
100
100
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.
6) Pallets
Pallets are rigid platforms made of wood, plastic, orpaperboard used for shipping a variety of products
including food, paper, and military supplies. Wooden pallets can be repaired or rebuilt with wood from old
pallets. Plastic and corrugated pallets can be manufactured from recovered materials.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Pallets
Containing Recovered Wood, Plastic, or Paperboard 1
Product
Wooden pallets
Plastic pallets:
- Plastic lumber
- Thermoformed
- Paperboard pallets
Material
Wood
Plastic
Plastic
Paperboard
Postconsumer Content (%)
95-100
100
25-50
50
1 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.
Product Specifications:
EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the following specifications when procuring pallets:
• The Grocery Manufacturers of America issued a widely used standard for 48 by 40-inch stringer
pallets known as the "GMA spec."
• The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) 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.
• US Postal Service (USPS) specification USPS-P-1108, "Pallet, Nestable, Plastic, Thermoformed
(Item No. 3919B)" is forthermoformed HDPE pallets.
7) Signage
Signs made from recovered materials are used for public roads and highways, as well as inside and outside
of office buildings, museums, parks, and other public places. EPA's designation pertains to plastic signs
used for nonroad applications (e.g., building signs, trail signs) and to aluminum roadway and nonroadway
signs. The designation also covers any associated plastic or steel supports.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Signage
Item/Material
Plastic signs1 80-100 80-100
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Aluminum signs
Plastic sign posts/supports n
Steel sign posts/supports 2
25
80-100
16
67
25
80-100
25-30
100
Plastic signs and sign posts are recommended for nonroad applications only, such as, but not limited to, trailway 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 (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.
Updated 4-27-09
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
COMPREHENSIVE PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY
Product Specifications:
EPA is not aware of specifications for nonroad 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 (FHWA).
8) Sorbents
Absorbents and adsorbents (referred to as "sorbents") are used in environmental, industrial, agricultural,
medical, and scientific applications to retain liquids and gases. Absorbents incorporate substances
throughout the body of the absorbing material, while adsorbents gather substances over the surface of the
material. Sorbents can be manufactured using recovered paper, textiles, plastics, wood, and other materials.
EPA's designation covers sorbents containing recovered materials for use in oil and solvent clean-ups and
for use as animal bedding, although recycled-content sorbents can be used in other applications.
EPA's Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Sorbents Used
in Oil and Solvents Cleanups and for Use as Animal Bedding
Material
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials Content (%)
Paper
Textiles
Plastics
Wood1
Other Organ ics/Multi-Materials z
90-100
95-100
-
~
-
100
95-100
25-100
100
100
"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 multimaterial
sorbents would include, but not be limited to, a polymer and cellulose fiber combination.
Product Specifications:
• The U.S. General Service Administration's (GSA's) specification for Absorbent Material, Oil and
Water (For Floors and Dec/
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