[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3082-3094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1068]



Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2000 / 
Notices

[[Page 3082]]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[SWH-FRL-6524-3]


Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III

AGENCY:  Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION:  Notice of Availability of Final Document.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  The Environmental Protection Agency is providing notice of 
the availability of the final Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III 
(RMAN III) and supporting materials. The final RMAN III contains EPA's 
recommendations for purchasing 18 items designated in the final 
Comprehensive Procurement Guideline III, which is published elsewhere 
in today's Federal Register. This action will help use government 
purchasing power to stimulate the use of recovered materials in the 
manufacture of new products and expand markets for those recovered 
materials. EPA designates items that are or can be made with recovered 
materials and provides recommendations for the procurement of these 
items under section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 
of 1976 (RCRA). The 18 items EPA is making recommendations for include: 
Carpet cushion; flowable fill; railroad grade crossing surfaces; park 
benches and picnic tables; playground equipment; food waste compost; 
plastic lumber landscaping timbers and posts; solid plastic binders; 
plastic clipboards; plastic file folders; plastic clip portfolios; 
plastic presentation folders; sorbents (i.e., absorbents and 
adsorbents); awards and plaques; industrial drums; mats; signage; and 
manual-grade strapping. The final RMAN III contains recommended 
recovered materials content levels for these items and provides other 
purchasing recommendations. RMAN III also contains revised recovered 
materials content recommendations for steel shower and restroom 
dividers/partitions, steel recycling containers and waste receptacles, 
and the steel components of traffic barricades and delineators. These 
items were previously designated in CPG I and II with recommendations 
provided in RMAN I and II. The revised recommended recovered materials 
content levels for these previously designated items are based on 
comments submitted on the draft RMAN III for all items containing 
recovered steel.

EFFECTIVE DATES:  The recommendations for purchasing the 18 newly-
designated items are effective January 19, 2001. The recommendations 
for previously designated items (i.e., steel shower and restroom 
dividers/partitions, steel recycling containers and waste receptacles, 
and steel components of traffic barricades and delineators) are 
effective January 19, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  The public docket for this notice is Docket F-1999-CP3F-
FFFFF. Documents related to today's notice are available for viewing in 
the RCRA Information Center (RIC), which is located at U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Crystal Gateway One, 1235 Jefferson 
Davis Highway, Ground Floor, Arlington, VA 22202. The RIC is open from 
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. 
To review docket materials, it is recommended that the public make an 
appointment by calling (703) 603-9230. Copies cost $0.15/page. The 
index and some supporting materials are available electronically. For 
information on accessing the documents electronically, see Section V of 
the Supplementary Information section below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  For general information contact the 
RCRA Hotline at (800) 424-9346 or TDD (800) 553-7672 (hearing 
impaired). In the Washington, DC metropolitan area, call (703) 412-9810 
or TDD (703) 412-3323. For technical information on individual item 
recommendations, contact Terry Grist at (703) 308-7257.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Preamble Outline

I. What is the statutory authority for this action?
II. Why is EPA taking this action?
III. What are the definitions of terms used in this action?
V. What did commenters say about the recommendations in the draft 
RMAN III?
A. Comments on Proposed Items Containing Recovered Steel
B. Comments on Specifications for Flowable Fill
V. Supporting Information and Accessing Internet

I. What Is the Statutory Authority for This Action?

    The Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III (RMAN III) is published 
under the authority of sections 2002(a) and 6002 of the Solid Waste 
Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 
of 1976 (RCRA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6912(a) and 6962; and Executive 
Order (E.O.) 13101 (63 FR 49643, September 14, 1998).

II. Why Is EPA Taking This Action?

    Section 6002 of RCRA establishes a Federal buy-recycled program. 
RCRA section 6002(e) requires EPA to (1) designate items that are or 
can be produced with recovered materials and (2) prepare guidelines to 
assist procuring agencies in complying with affirmative procurement 
requirements set forth in paragraphs (c), (d), and (I) of section 6002. 
Once EPA designates an item, section 6002 requires that each procuring 
agency that procures the designated item using appropriated Federal 
funds, must procure that item containing the highest percentage of 
recovered materials practicable. For the purposes of RCRA section 6002, 
procuring agencies include the following: (1) Any Federal agency; (2) 
any State or local agencies using appropriated Federal funds for a 
procurement; and (3) any contractors with these agencies (with respect 
to work performed under the contract). The requirements of section 6002 
apply to procuring agencies only when procuring a designated item where 
the price of the item exceeds $10,000 or when the quantity of the item, 
or functionally equivalent items, purchased in the previous year 
exceeded $10,000.
    Executive Order 13101 (63 FR 49643, September 14, 1998) requires 
EPA to designate items in a Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) 
and publish guidance that contains EPA's recommended recovered 
materials content levels for the designated items in Recovered 
Materials Advisory Notices (RMAN). The Executive Order (E.O.) also 
requires EPA to update the CPG every two years and the RMAN 
periodically to reflect changes in market conditions. EPA codifies the 
CPG designations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), but, because 
the recommendations are guidance, the RMAN is not codified in the CFR. 
This process allows EPA to revise its recommendations in a timely 
manner and in response to changes in a product's availability or 
recovered materials content.
    EPA promulgated the CPG I and issued notice of RMAN I on May 1, 
1995 (60 FR 21370 and 21386, respectively). CPG I designated 19 items 
and consolidated five previous item designations made in earlier EPA 
procurement guidelines, and RMAN I recommended purchasing practices for 
these 24 items. On November 13, 1997, EPA published CPG II (62 FR 
60962), which designated an additional 12 items and concurrently 
published an RMAN II (62 FR 60975). The final RMAN II also

[[Page 3083]]

provided clarification of EPA's 1995 recommendations for purchasing 
floor tiles containing recovered materials. Paper Products RMANs were 
issued on May 29, 1996 (61 FR 26985) and June 8, 1998 (63 FR 31214). On 
August 26, 1998, EPA proposed CPG III (63 FR 4558), which proposed to 
designate an additional 19 items. EPA concurrently published a draft 
RMAN III (63 FR 45580). The 19 items EPA proposed for designation were: 
nylon carpet with backing containing recovered materials; carpet 
cushion; flowable fill; railroad grade crossing surfaces; park benches 
and picnic tables; playground equipment; food waste compost; plastic 
lumber landscaping timbers and posts; solid plastic binders; plastic 
clipboards; plastic file folders; plastic clip portfolios; plastic 
presentation folders; sorbents (i.e., absorbents and adsorbents); 
awards and plaques; industrial drums; mats; signage; and manual-grade 
strapping. Today, EPA is publishing recommendations for 18 of the 19 
items. EPA is not designating nylon carpet with backing containing 
recovered materials at this time and, therefore, is not publishing 
final recommendations for purchasing this item. The reasons for this 
decision are discussed in the final CPG III, published in the rules 
section of today's Federal Register.
    EPA wants to stress that the recommendations in its RMAN are just 
that--recommendations and guidance to procuring agencies to help them 
meet their obligations under section 6002. The designation of an item 
as one that is or can be manufactured with recovered materials and the 
inclusions of recommended content levels for an item in an RMAN do not 
require the procurement of an item when it is not suitable for an 
agency's intended purpose. Section 6002 is explicit about this when it 
authorizes a procuring agency not to procure a designated item which 
``fails to meet the performance standards set forth in the applicable 
specification or fails to meet the reasonable performance standards of 
the procuring agencies.''(Section 6002(1)(B), 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(B)).
    Thus, for example, in the final CPG III published elsewhere in 
today's Federal Register, EPA is designating playground equipment as an 
item that is or can be produced with recovered materials. The Agency's 
research shows that this item is available in either steel, aluminum, 
or plastic containing recovered materials. However, the mere fact that 
this item is available containing recovered materials does not require 
the procurement of steel, aluminum, or plastic playground equipment in 
every circumstance. The choice of appropriate materials may depend on 
state or local codes. The effect of EPA's designation (and section 
6002) is simply to require the purchase of items with recovered 
materials where consistent with the purpose of how the item is to be 
used. Procuring agencies remain free to procure playground equipment 
made of materials other than steel, aluminum, or plastic (e.g., wood) 
where the design specifications call for other materials.

III. What Are the Definitions of Terms Used in This Action?

    Today's final RMAN III recommends postconsumer or recovered 
materials content levels which EPA believes the designated items are 
generally available. The RMAN III recommends two different measures of 
recovered materials: (1) A component of postconsumer recovered 
materials and (2) a component of total recovered materials for the 
following items: carpet cushion; railroad-grade crossing surfaces; park 
benches and picnic tables; playground equipment; plastic lumber 
landscaping timbers and posts; plastic binders, clipboards, file 
folders, clip portfolios, and presentation folders; sorbents; 
industrial drums; awards and plaques; mats; signage; and manual-grade 
strapping. For these items, EPA found that manufacturers were using 
both types of materials to manufacture these products. If the Agency 
recommended only postconsumer content levels it would fail to meet the 
RCRA mandate to maximize the use of recovered materials, because it 
would fail to acknowledge the contribution that manufacturers using 
other manufacturers' byproducts as feedstock have made to solid waste 
management. EPA defined the terms ``recovered materials'' and 
``postconsumer materials'' in the CPG and in 40 CFR 247.3. We repeat 
the definitions for these terms in this notice for the convenience of 
the reader.
    Postconsumer materials means a material or finished product that 
has served its intended end use and has been diverted or recovered from 
waste destined for disposal, having completed its life as a consumer 
item. Postconsumer material is part of the broader category of 
recovered materials.
    Recovered materials means waste materials and byproducts which have 
been recovered or diverted from solid waste, but the term does not 
include those materials and byproducts generated from, and commonly 
used within, an original manufacturing process.

IV. What Did Commenters Say About the Recommendations in the Draft 
RMAN III?

    This section discusses the major public comments on the draft RMAN 
III. The Agency received a number of significant comments related to 
flowable fill and the recommended recovered materials content levels 
for proposed designated items containing recovered steel. These 
comments are discussed below. A summary of all of the comments and the 
Agency's response is provided in the document entitled ``Background 
Document for the Final Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) III 
and Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN) III,'' September 1999, 
hereafter referred to as the ``Background Document for the Final CPG 
III/RMAN III.'' A copy of this document has been placed in the docket 
for the final RMAN III. See ADDRESSES above for information about 
reviewing documents in the public docket. This document is also 
available electronically on the Internet. See Section V of this notice 
for information on accessing this document electronically.

A. Comments on Proposed Designated Items Containing Recovered Steel

    Comment: The Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) submitted comments 
noting that all items proposed for designation (with the exception of 
industrial drums) could be manufactured with steel made by both Basic 
Oxygen Furnace (BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) processes. SRI 
noted that items made by the BOF process typically contain 25 to 30 
percent recovered materials including more than 15 percent postconsumer 
steel. When these items are made out of steel manufactured by the EAF 
process they may contain up to 100 percent recovered materials, 
including 67 percent postconsumer steel. SRI suggested EPA recommend 
recycled content levels of 16 percent postconsumer and 25 percent total 
recovered content for all items made from BOF steel and 67 percent 
postconsumer and 100 percent total recovered content when items are 
made from EAF steel. SRI pointed out that currently, industrial drums 
are only being made from BOF steel and, therefore, contain a total of 
25 percent total recovered steel, including 16 postconsumer steel. SRI 
requested that, for all items proposed in CPG III containing steel, the 
final RMAN III should reflect these recovered materials content levels.

[[Page 3084]]

    Response: EPA included the recommended recovered materials content 
levels for steel in this final RMAN notice to reflect SRI's comments 
regarding BOF and EAF manufactured steel for the items designated in 
the CPG, with one exception. Rather than recommend a single total 
recovered materials content level of 25 percent for items made from BOF 
steel, the Agency is recommending a range of 25-30 percent. The use of 
a recovered materials content range in this instance reflects both the 
information provided by SRI and the requirements of E.O. 13101 for 
making recommendations. EPA is also revising the content level 
recommendations for the steel component of traffic barricades and 
delineators, steel recycling containers and waste receptacles, and for 
steel shower and restroom dividers/partitions to reflect this new 
information. These items were designated in CPG I and CPG II. No other 
revisions to the recommendations for items previously designated in CPG 
I and CPG II are being made at this time.

B. Comments on Specifications for Flowable Fill

    Comment: The FIRST Project (Foundry Industry Recycling Starts 
Today), an industry consortium, suggested that there is an 
inconsistency with two of the specifications listed in the RMAN for 
flowable fill. ASTM's C33-93 Concrete Aggregate specification limits 
the use of some spent sands that have fines content greater than 3 to 5 
percent, while ACI 229R-94 indicates that foundry sands with up to 20 
percent fines were successfully utilized in flowable fill mix designs. 
The commenter believes that recommending ASTM C33-93 effectively limits 
the use of this material without taking into account whether the 
performance specification is clearly met. The commenter suggests that 
the mix design specification should be based on performance, not simply 
on the aggregate.
    Response: EPA has learned that ASTM C33-93 was developed to 
optimize the strength and compactability of concrete and was not meant 
to be used with controlled low-strength material or flowable fill. The 
Agency, therefore, recognizes that ASTM C33-93 may not be an 
appropriate specification for sands used in flowable fill. Procuring 
agencies may wish to use this specification's physical tests as a 
measure to assure the quality and uniformity of the sands used in 
flowable fill; however, the agency now believes this specification 
should not be referred to for gradation requirements. Based on this 
information, the final RMAN III for flowable fill has been revised to 
delete any reference to the use of ASTM C33-93 for gradation purposes. 
The RMAN recommends that procuring agencies ``refer to ASTM C33-93, 
``Standard Specification for Concrete,'' to assure the quality and 
uniformity of the ferrous foundry sands in flowable fill * * *.''

V. Supporting Information and Accessing Internet

    The index of supporting materials for today's final RMAN III is 
available in the RCRA Information Center (RIC) and on the Internet. The 
address and telephone number of the RIC are provided in the ADDRESSES 
section above. The index and the following supporting materials are 
available on the Internet:

``Background Document for the Final CPG III/RMAN III,'' U.S. EPA, 
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, September 1999.

    Copies of the following supporting materials are available for 
viewing at the RIC only:

``Telephone Notes, Flowable Fill Specifications, Between Lynne Gilbert, 
Eastern Research Group and Paul Tikalsky, Penn State University, May 
12, 1999.''

    To access information on the Internet go to www.epa.gov/cpg>.

    Dated: January 10, 2000.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.

Recovered Materials Advisory Notice III

    The following represents EPA's recommendations to procuring 
agencies for purchasing the items designated today in the Comprehensive 
Procurement Guideline III in compliance with section 6002 of the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and section 502(b) of 
E.O. 13101. These recommendations are intended to be used in 
conjunction with the RMANs issued on May 1, 1995 (60 FR 21386) and 
November 13, 1997 (62 FR 60975) and the Paper Products RMANs issued on 
May 29, 1996 (61 FR 26985) and June 8, 1998 (63 FR 31214). Refer to May 
1, 1995 and November 13, 1997 RMANs for definitions, general 
recommendations for affirmative procurement programs, and 
recommendations for previously designated items. In the case of traffic 
barricades, delineators, recycling containers and waste receptacles, 
and shower and restroom dividers/partitions, the recommendations 
published today revise the previous recommendations issued in RMAN I 
and RMAN II.

Contents

I. General Recommendations
II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items
Part C. Construction Products
    Section C-6 (Revised). Shower and Restroom Dividers/Partitions 
Containing Recovered Plastic or Steel
    Section C-8. Carpet Cushion Made from Bonded Polyurethane, Jute, 
Synthetic Fibers, or Rubber Containing Recovered Materials.
    Section C-9. Flowable Fill Containing Coal Fly Ash and/or 
Ferrous Foundry Sands.
    Section C-10. Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces Containing Coal 
Fly Ash, Recovered Rubber, or Recovered Steel
Part D. Transportation Products
    Section D-1 (Revised). Temporary Traffic Control Devices
    Section D-3 (Revised). Channelizers, Delineators, and Flexible 
Delineators Containing Recovered Plastic, Rubber, or Steel
Part E. Park and Recreation Products
    Section E-3. Park Benches and Picnic Tables Containing Recovered 
Steel, Aluminum, Plastic, or Concrete.
    Section E-4. Playground Equipment Containing Recovered Plastic, 
Steel, or Aluminum.
Part F. Landscaping Products
    Section F-2. Compost Made From Yard Trimmings, Leaves, Grass 
Clippings, and/or Food Waste.
    Section F-5. Plastic Lumber Landscaping Timbers and Posts 
Containing Recovered Materials.
Part G. Non-Paper Office Products
    Section G-1 (Revised). Office Recycling Containers and Office 
Waste Receptacles Containing Recovered Paper, Plastic, or Steel
    Section G-8. Solid Plastic Binders, Plastic Clipboards, Plastic 
File Folders, Plastic Clip Portfolios, and Plastic Presentation 
Folders Containing Recovered Plastic
Part H. Miscellaneous Products
    Section H-2. Sorbents Containing Recovered Materials for Use in 
Oil and Solvent Clean-Ups and as Animal Bedding.
    Section H-3. Industrial Drums Containing Recovered Steel, 
Plastic, or Paper.
    Section H-4. Awards and Plaques Containing Recovered Glass, 
Wood, Paper, or Plastic.
    Section H-5. Mats Containing Recovered Rubber and/or Plastic.
    Section H-6. Manual-grade Strapping Containing Recovered Steel 
or Plastic.
    Section H-7. Non-Road Signs Containing Recovered Plastic or 
Aluminum and Road Signs Containing Recovered Aluminum.

I. General Recommendations

    General recommendations for definitions, specifications, and 
affirmative procurement programs can be found in the May 1, 1995 RMAN 
(60 FR 21386).

[[Page 3085]]

II. Specific Recommendations for Procurement of Designated Items

    Recommendations for purchasing previously-designated items can be 
found in the May 1, 1995 and November 13, 1997 RMANs and the May 29, 
1996 and June 8, 1998 Paper Products RMANs. Revised recovered materials 
content level recommendations for the steel components of traffic 
barricades and delineators, steel shower and restroom dividers/
partitions, and steel office recycling containers and waste receptacles 
are included in today's notice.

Part C--Construction Products

    Note:  Refer to Section E-2--Plastic Fencing Containing 
Recovered Plastic for Specified Uses and to Part F--Landscaping 
Products for additional items that can be used in construction 
applications.

Section C-6 (Revised). 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 (Revised).--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
 Shower and Restroom Dividers/Partitions Containing Recovered Plastic or
                                  Steel
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                 Postconsumer  recovered
                    Material                       materials   materials
                                                      (%)       content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steel..........................................           16       25-30
                                                          67         100
Plastic........................................       20-100     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 (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 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.
Section C-8. Carpet Cushion Made from Bonded Polyurethane, Jute, 
Synthetic Fibers, 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Total
                                               Postconsumer   recovered
           Product                Material      content (%)   materials
                                                             content (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonded polyurethane.........  Old carpet              15-50        15-50
                               cushion.
Jute........................  Burlap.........            40           40
Synthetic fibers............  Carpet                     --          100
                               fabrication
                               scrap.
Rubber......................  Tire rubber....         60-90       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.
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.

[[Page 3086]]



                    Table C-9a.--Typical Proportions for High Fly Ash Content Flowable Fills
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Component                        Range kg/m<SUP>3</SUP>(lb/yd<SUP>3</SUP>)              Mix design kg/m<SUP>3</SUP> (lb/yd<SUP>3</SUP>)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fly ash (95%)...........................  949 to 1542 (1600 to 2600)......  1234 (2080)
Cement (5%).............................  47 to 74 (80 to 125)............  62 (104)
Added water.............................  222 to 371 (375 to 625).........  247 (416)*
                                                                           -------------------------------------
      Total:............................                                    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                     Range kg/m\3\ (lb/yd\3\)         Mix design  kg/m\3\ (lb/yd\3\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fly ash (6% to 14%).....................  119 to 297 (200 to 500).........  178 (300)
Cement..................................  30 to 119 (50 to 200)...........  59 (100)
Sand....................................  1483 to 1780 (2500 to 3000).....  1542 (2600)
Added water.............................  198 to 494 (333 to 833).........  297 (500)*
                                                                           -------------------------------------
      Total:............................                                    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.

    Specifications: The following recommendations address mix designs, 
test methods, and performance standards.
    <bullet> 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Quantity
                                                              per cubic
                         Component                               yard
                                                                (lbs.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cement.....................................................           50
Coal fly ash...............................................          250
Foundry sand...............................................        2,850
Water......................................................          500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    <bullet> 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.

Table C-9d.--Recommended Test Methods for Flowable Fills (Controlled Low
                           Strength Materials)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ASTM specification Number                      Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D4832-95e1...................  Standard Test Method for Preparation and
                                Testing of Controlled Low Strength
                                Material (CLSM) Test Cylinders.
D5239-92.....................  Standard Practice for Characterizing Fly
                                Ash for Use in Soil Stabilization.
D5971-96.....................  Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly
                                Mixed Controlled Low Strength Material.
D6103-07.....................  Standard Test Method for Flow Consistency
                                of Controlled Low Strength Material.
D6023-96.....................  Standard Test Method for Unit Weight,
                                Yield, Cement Content and Air Content
                                (Gravimetric) of Controlled Low Strength
                                Material (CLSM).
D5971-96.....................  Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly
                                Mixed Controlled Low Strength Material.
d6024-96.....................  Standard Test Method for Ball Drop on
                                Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM)
                                to Determine Suitability for Load
                                Application.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 3087]]

    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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 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(I) 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.
Section C-10. Railroad Grade Crossing Surfaces Containing Coal Fly Ash, 
Recovered Rubber, or Recovered Steel
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table C-10a, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing concrete, 
rubber, and 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-10a.--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Concrete, Rubber, and Steel Railroad Grade
                                                Crossing Surfaces
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Total
                                                                                   Postconsumer      recovered
               Surface material                        Recovered material           content (%)      materials
                                                                                                    content (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ConcreteCoal..................................  fly ash.........................  ..............           15-20
Rubber........................................  Tire rubber.....................  ..............           85-95
Steel.........................................  Steel...........................              16           25-30
                                                                                              67            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 (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 ASTM 
standards listed in Table C-10b when purchasing rubber railroad grade 
crossing surfaces. EPA recommends that procuring agencies use the ASTM 
and AASHTO standards listed in Table C-10c when purchasing concrete 
railroad grade crossing surfaces.

   Table C-10b.--Recommended Specifications for Rubber Railroad Grade
                                Crossings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ASTM specification number                      Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 2000-96....................  Rubber Products in Automotive
                                Applications.
D 2240-97....................  Rubber Property--Durometer Hardness.
D 412-97.....................  Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic
                                Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers--
                                Tension.
D 297-93.....................  Rubber Products--Chemical Analysis.
E 303-93.....................  Measuring Surface Frictional Properties
                                Using the British Pendulum Tester.
D 1171-94....................  Rubber Deterioration--Surface Ozone
                                Cracking Outdoors or Chamber (Triangular
                                Specimens).
D 573-88.....................  Deterioration in an Air Oven.

[[Page 3088]]

 
D 395-89.....................  Rubber Property--Compression Set.
D 257-93.....................  DC Resistance or Conductance of
                                Insulating Materials.
D 2137-94....................  Rubber Property--Brittleness Point of
                                Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Table C-10c.--Recommended Specifications for Cement and Concrete
                     Containing Recovered Materials
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Specification number                         Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTM C 595..............................  Standard Specification for
                                           Blended Hydraulic Cements
ASTM C 150..............................  Standard Specification for
                                           Portland Cement.
AASHTO M 240............................  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 311..............................  Standard Methods of Sampling
                                           and Testing Fly Ash and
                                           Natural Pozzolans for Use as
                                           a Mineral Admixture in
                                           Portland Cement Concrete.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part D. Transportation Products

Section D-1 (Revised). Temporary Traffic Control Devices
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table D-1, procuring agencies 
establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing traffic cones 
and traffic barricades.

  Table D-1 (Revised).--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for Traffic Cones and Traffic Barricades
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Postconsumer
                 Product                              Material               materials       Total recovered
                                                                                (%)           materials (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traffic Cones...........................  PVC, LDPE, Crumb Rubber........            --                   50-100
Traffic Barricades......................  HDPE, LDPE, PET................        80-100                      100
                                          Steel..........................            16                    25-30
                                                                                     67                      100
                                          Fiberglass.....................            --                     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 (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.

Section D-3 (Revised). 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 (Revised), procuring 
agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing 
channelizers, delineators, and flexible delineators.

   Table D-3 (Revised).--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels
   for Channelizers, Delineators, and Flexible Delineators Containing
                   Recovered Plastic, Rubber, or Steel
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Postconsumer content
            Product                  Material               (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Channelizers..................  Plastic..........  25-95
                                Rubber (base       100
                                 only).
Delineators...................  Plastic..........  25-90
                                Rubber (base       100
                                 only).
                                Steel (base only)  16% postconsumer and
                                                    25-30% total
                                                    recovered materials
                                                    or 67% postconsumer
                                                    and 100% total
                                                    recovered materials.
Flexible delineators..........  Plastic..........  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.

[[Page 3089]]

 
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 E. Park and Recreation Products

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                 content  (%)   content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastics.......................................       90-100         100
Plastic composites.............................       50-100          00
Aluminum.......................................           25          25
Concrete.......................................  ............      15-40
Steel..........................................           67        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.

 Table E-3b.--Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Used In Park
                        Benches and Picnic Tables
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       ASTM  specification  number                     Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 6108-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Compressive Properties of
                                           Plastic Lumber.
D 6109-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Flexural Properties of
                                           Unreinforced and Reinforced
                                           Plastic Lumber.
D 6111-97...............................  Standard Test Method for Bulk
                                           Density and Specific Gravity
                                           of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
                                           by Displacement.
D 6112-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Compressive and Flexural
                                           Creep and Creep Rupture of
                                           Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
D 6117-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Mechanical Fasteners in
                                           Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                  content (%)   content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastics.......................................       90-100         100
Plastic Composites.............................        50-75      95-100
Steel..........................................           16       25-30
                                                          67         100
Aluminum.......................................           25         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.

[[Page 3090]]

 
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                            Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)   Handbook for Public
 Publication No. 325.                        Playground Safety.
ASTM F-1487-95............................  Safety Performance
                                             Specification for
                                             Playground Equipment for
                                             Public Use.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Table E-4c.--Recommended Specifications for Plastic Lumber Used In
                          Playground Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       ASTM  Specification  Number                     Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 6108-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Compressive Properties of
                                           Plastic Lumber.
D 6109-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Flexural Properties of
                                           Unreinforced and Reinforced
                                           Plastic Lumber.
D 6111-97...............................  Standard Test Method for Bulk
                                           Density and Specific Gravity
                                           of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
                                           by Displacement.
D 6112-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Compressive and Flexural
                                           Creep and Creep Rupture of
                                           Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
D 6117-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Mechanical Fasteners in
                                           Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part F. Landscaping Products

Section F-2 (Revised). Compost Made From Yard Trimmings and/or Food 
Waste

    Note:  Following are EPA's revised recommendations for 
purchasing compost. The revisions add recommendations for purchasing 
compost made from food waste to EPA's 1995 recommendations for 
purchasing yard trimmings compost. Procuring agencies should 
substitute these recommendations for the recommendations found in 
Section F-2 of the 1995 RMAN I.


    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.
    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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                       Post    recovered
                     Material                        consumer  materials
                                                     content    content
                                                       (%)        (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HDPE..............................................     25-100     75-100
Mixed Plastics/Sawdust............................         50        100
HDPE/Fiberglass...................................         75         95
Other mixed resins................................     50-100     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.


[[Page 3091]]

    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                     Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 6108-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Compressive Properties of
                                           Plastic Lumber.
D 6109-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Flexural Properties of
                                           Unreinforced and Reinforced
                                           Plastic Lumber.
D 6111-97...............................  Standard Test Method for Bulk
                                           Density and Specific Gravity
                                           of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
                                           by Displacement.
D 6112-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Compressive and Flexural
                                           Creep and Creep Rupture of
                                           Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
D 6117-97...............................  Standard Test Method for
                                           Mechanical Fasteners in
                                           Plastic Lumber and Shapes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part G. Non-Paper Office Products

Section G-1 (Revised). Office Recycling Containers and Office Waste 
Receptacles
    Preference Program: EPA recommends that, based on the recovered 
materials content levels shown in Table G-1 (Revised), procuring 
agencies establish minimum content standards for use in purchasing 
office recycling containers and office waste receptacles.

 Table G-1 (Revised)--Recommended Recovered Materials Content Levels for
        Office Recycling Containers and Office Waste Receptacles
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Recovered materials (materials
                 Product                           and percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office Recycling Containers and Office    Plastic: 20-100 Postconsumer
 Waste Receptacles.                        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 (BOF). Steel from the BOF
  process contains 25%-30% total recovered materials, of which 16% is
  postconsumer steel.

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Total
                                                                                   Postconsumer      recovered
                 Product                                 Material                  content  (%)      materials
                                                                                                   content  (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solid plastic binders...................  HDPE..................................              90              90
                                          PE....................................           30-50           30-50
                                          PET...................................             100             100
                                          Misc. Plastics........................              80              80
Plastic clipboards......................  HDPE..................................              90              90
                                          PS....................................              50              50
                                          Misc. Plastics........................              15           15-80
Plastic file folders....................  HDPE..................................              90              90
Plastic clip portfolios.................  HDPE..................................              90              90
Plastic presentation folders............  HDPE..................................              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-1c 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.

[[Page 3092]]

Part H. Miscellaneous Products

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                 content  (%)   content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper..........................................       90-100         100
Textiles.......................................       95-100      95-100
Plastics.......................................  ............     25-100
Wood...........................................  ............        100
Other Organics/Multi-Materials.................  ............        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                      Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
F 716-81................................  Standard Method of Testing
                                           Sorbent Performance of
                                           Adsorbents.
F 716-82................................  Standard Method of Testing
                                           Sorbent Performance of
                                           Absorbents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Total
                                                                                   Postconsumer      recovered
                 Product                                 Material                  content  (%)      materials
                                                                                                   content  (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steel drums.............................  Steel.................................              16           25-30
Plastic drums...........................  HDPE..................................          30-100          30-100
Fiber drums.............................  Paper.................................             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 (BOF). Steel from the BOF 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.
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                  content (%)   content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glass..........................................       75-100         100
Wood...........................................  ............        100
Paper..........................................       40-100      40-100
Plastic and Plastic/Wood Composite.............       50-100     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

[[Page 3093]]

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.
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                               recovered
                    Material                     Postconsumer  materials
                                                 content  (%)   content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rubber.........................................       75-100      85-100
Plastic........................................       10-100         100
Rubber/Plastic Composite.......................          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.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Total
                                                                                                      recovered
                  Product                                    Material                  Postconsumer   materials
                                                                                       content  (%)    content
                                                                                                         (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polyester strapping........................  PET.....................................         50-85        50-85
Polypropylene strapping....................  PP......................................  ............        10-40
Steel strapping............................  Steel...................................            16        25-30
                                                                                                 67         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% is postconsumer
  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                   Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTM 3953...............................  Standard Specification for
                                           Strapping, Flat Steel and
                                           Seals.
ASTM D 3950.............................  Standard Specification for
                                           Strapping, Nonmetallic (and
                                           Joining Methods).
ASTM D 4675.............................  Standard Guide for Selection
                                           and Use of Flat Strapping
                                           Materials.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total
                                                               recovered
                 Item/material                   Postconsumer  materials
                                                 content  (%)   content
                                                                  (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plastic signs..................................      80--100      80-100
Aluminum signs.................................           25          25
Plastic sign posts/supports....................       80-100      80-100
Steel sign posts/supports......................           16       25-30
                                                          67        100
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:Plastic signs and sign posts are recommended for nonroad
  applications only such as, but not limited to, railway signs in parks
  and directional/informational signs in buildings.

[[Page 3094]]

 
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
  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.

[FR Doc. 00-1068 Filed 1-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-U