guide to commercial & institutional recycling - infohouse

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GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL & INSTITUTIONAL RECYCLING PREPARED BY COMMERCIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority 25 South Charles Street Suite 2105 Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3330 (410) 333-2730 FAX (410) 333-2721

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GUIDE TO

COMMERCIAL &

INSTITUTIONAL

RECYCLINGPREPARED BY

COMMERCIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM

NortheastMarylandWasteDisposalAuthority

25 South Charles Street

Suite 2105

Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3330

(410) 333-2730

FAX (410) 333-2721

A major portion of the State’s solid waste stream is pro-

duced by business and industry. In the Baltimore

region, approximately half of the area’s trash is pro-

duced by the commercial sector. To meet the goals of the Mary-

land Recycling Act, which requires each county to reduce its

waste stream through recycling by 20 percent, recycling programs

must be implemented in commercial buildings and institutions as

well as in residential neighborhoods.

The Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority is assisting

its member jurisdictions in establishing commercial recycling pro-

grams and has produced this publication for that purpose. “The

Guide to Commercial and Institutional Recycling” offers step-by-

step instruction on how to start a recycling program. It is organ-

ized in three parts. Part One explains how to establish a waste re-

duction program, beginning with a waste audit. Part Two outlines

an eight-step approach to office recycling. Part Three emphasizes

the importance of buying recycled products and explains how to

implement a “Buy Recycled” program.

The guide includes definitions, work sheets, formulas for

estimating quantities of recyclables, sample office recycling policies

and examples of employee incentive programs. It also includes

listings of “Recycling Resources:’ companies that buy, sell and

manufacture recycled products in Maryland.

The guide can be used to enhance existing waste reduction

and recycling programs or to start a new program. Additional

information and assistance can be obtained from a team of re-

cycling specialists who helped prepare this publication. Their

names and telephone numbers are listed under “Recycling

Resources” in the back of the guide.

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

PART 1Waste Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . 2Waste Audits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Six Effective Methods of Waste Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Suggested Policy for Waste Reduction and Recycling . . . 5

Employee Participation: The Key to Success . . . . . . . . . 7

Evaluating a Waste Reduction Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Estimating Quantities of Recyclables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Waste Audit Survey Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 2Office Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . 12A Step-by-Step Approach to Office Paper Recycling . . . . . . 13

Questions to Ask a Recycler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Non-Paper Recyclable Office Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Employee Participation and Incentives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sample Kick-Off Memo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 3Buying Recycled Products . . . . . 18How to Implement a Recycled Product

Purchasing Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

EPA Guidelines for Paper and Paper ProductsContaining Recovered Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Implementation Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

The waste statistics featured throughout this guide were reprinted from The Recyclers Handbook. © 1990, The Earthworks

Group, EarthWorks Press. Berkeley, CA. Used with permission.

A n office recycling effort is most effective when used

in conjunction with a comprehensive waste reduc-

tion program. Waste reduction means avoiding the

generation of waste by using less material, using supplies and

equipment more efficiently and buying products that are more

durable, easily repairable or recyclable.

Reducing the office waste stream makes economic as well

as environmental sense. It saves operating and disposal costs

and helps conserve natural resources and energy. There are six

effective methods of waste reduction that can be practiced in

any office or institution. But before establishing a new office

waste management system, it is important to know your current

waste management practices. This requires a waste audit, the

first step in starting and maintaining an effective waste reduction

and recycling program. Waste audits should be conducted at

least once a year.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Waste AuditsA waste audit is a systematic observation of the types of waste you generate

and throw away. A typical approach begins by identifying office supplies

and examining how they are used. Next, you must determine the composi-

tion of the waste stream by categories (paper, metal, glass, plastic, etc.).

From there, you can identify potentially recyclable material. A completed

audit will identify areas where waste can be reduced and will suggest

appropriate waste reduction methods.

Getting Started: Before you begin, review the following tasks involved

in conducting a useful waste audit. The sample audit forms on pages 9-11

will help guide you through the process and provide a written assessment of

your waste reduction needs. A few simple formulas along with the “Density

Table” on page 8 will help you estimate the amounts of recyclables in your

office waste stream.

1. Appoint a program coordinator to conduct the waste audit, get

employees involved, track the progress of the program and be

available to answer questions.

2. Survey trash material.

3. Identify types and quantities of waste material.

4. Determine what materials can be recycled (see list of potential

items in office recycling section).

5. Estimate the quantity of recyclable material (see page 8).

6. Review buying practices to ensure purchases of recyclable

and recycled products.

7. Identify waste reduction opportunities.

8. Develop waste reduction goals.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Six Effective Methods ofWaste ReductionOnce the waste audit is complete, a program that includes all or a combina-

tion of the following waste reduction methods can be implemented. How-

ever, any new waste management program will require you to follow a pro-

cess that encourages management and employee cooperation and allows for

ongoing evaluation of the program. When establishing a new waste reduc-

tion program use the simple check list below to make sure your program

stays on track:

q Establish a waste reduction and recycling policy (see the suggested

policy on page 5).

q Ensure top level management support for your program.

q Publicize your program.

q Educate your staff.

q Implement the program.

q Conduct ongoing evaluations of the program (see page 7).

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper represents

the largest percentage of material discarded into the waste stream, almost

40 percent. Office wastepaper alone makes up about 10 percent of the total

and it is recyclable!

How Can Paper Waste Be Reduced?

n Use dual-sided copying whenever possible.

n Use lighter weight papers whenever possible.

n Reduce the number of copies of documents by establishing a

centralized filing system.

n Use obsolete forms for drafts and to make memo pads. If no sen-

sitive material is involved, the paper can be donated as drawing

paper to child care or similar facilities.

n Reuse interoffice envelopes, file folders and corrugated boxes.

n Eliminate needless forms.Six billion pensare thrown away

each year

One person usestwo pine trees

worth ofpaper products

per year

n Eliminate blank spaces and reduce the print size in documents

where appropriate.

n Use routing slips or bulletin boards instead of sending individual

memos to each employee.

n Prune mailing and distribution lists and reevaluate quantities needed

for reports and publications.

n Share documents with staff and other agencies.

n Remove your name from mailing lists for material you no longer

need (or share the information with others).

n Use electronic or computer mail.

Businesses and institutions should buy paper products that can be recycled

in office wastepaper recycling systems. Switching from colored paper to

white ledger and legal pads, for example, will increase the value of your

wastepaper. You can replace plastic window envelopes, which are rarely

recyclable, with open window envelopes. Mailing labels and other sticky

products should be water soluble to permit recycling. Reports should be

printed on recyclable paper (generally non-glossy without glue bindings).

These techniques improve the value of the wastepaper by eliminating

contaminants.

Other examples of reusable products include reusable shipping pallets

and pens.

Purchasing officials should work closely with program coordinators to

assure that recyclable and reusable products are purchased on a regular

basis. A list of local reuse organizations is included in the back of the guide.

More than 500 United States firms are involved in remanufacturing, an

industrial activity that collects discarded or nonfunctioning durable parts,

disassembles and refurbishes reusable parts, replaces other parts, and

reassembles them into usable products. Examples of products that can be

remanufactured include vehicles, vehicle parts, transformers, vending

machines, tires (retreading), respliced computer paper, compressors, tele-

phones and many others. Buying remanufactured products significantly

reduces waste.

Consider establishing an inventory system (computerized if possible) for

products you buy frequently, to avoid wasteful duplication. Offices located in

the same region can share supplies and buy in bulk quantities to reduce

unit costs and to use less packaging. You also can use life-cycle costing for-

mulas that include product life and disposal costs to encourage the use of

recyclable, reusable and durable products.

PRODUCT LIFE-CYCLE COSTING FORMULAS

Example 1:Suppose you wanted to include landfill or disposal Costs in

your decision to purchase recycled paper rather than virgin

paper.

Assumptions:

1. Every ton of recycled paper used creates a market

for a ton of material that would otherwise be landfilled.

2. Landfill costs are $40 per ton:

3. Each ream of paper weighs 5 pounds (or 400 reams

per ton).

4. Virgin paper costs $2.00 per ream.

5. Recycled paper costs $2.05 per ream.

For 1,000 reams of paper:

Virgin Paper:

(1,000 reams x $2.00) + (1,000 reams x 1 ton/400 reams

x $40 per ton) =$2,000 + $100 = $2,100.

Recycled Paper:

1,000 reams x $2.05 per ream = $2,050.

Because the recycled paper would not involve landfill costs,

it would be more cost effective than virgin paper.

In order to promote conserva-tion, our business is establish-

ing a policy regarding mate-rials reuse, recycling and wastereduction. To implement thispolicy, our organization will, tothe maximum extent practicable:

n Reduce the volume ofwaste generated in our

operations.

n Establish and promote aprogram to recycle as manymaterials as possible.

n Use recycled paper that, atminimum, meets federalEPA guidelines for all let-terhead, stationery, news-

letters, copy paper, pads,business cards and com-puter paper. Wherever prac-

ticable, paper with post-consumer waste shall bepurchased. A message onthe use of recycled papershall be included on the

paper when possible.

n Use two-sided copies.

n Purchase durable productswhenever possible.

n Use no inks containing toxiccomponents for publications.

n Purchase and use recycl-able paper for internal use.

n Use back side of used paperor obsolete forms for scratch

pads and internal drafts.

n Minimize the use of gluesor adhesives that interfere

with recycling.

n Use single copies withrouting slips within the of-

fice whenever possible.

n Include a statement in allsolicitations for goods and

services requiring, wherepracticable, bidders andcontractors to adhere tothese principles.

Americans throw awayenough office papereach year to builda twelve-foot-high

wall of paperfrom New York to

Los Angeles

Large organizations can use their purchasing power by developing product

specifications that convince suppliers to reduce waste volume and toxicity.

Packaging specifications, for example, can require manufacturers to provide

recyclable paper or can prohibit inks that contain toxic metals such as lead

or cadmium. You can also require manufacturers of automobile or truck

batteries to accept used batteries for recycling before buying replacements.

Buyers can make “backhauling” arrangements with suppliers. Backhauling

requires the vehicle making a shipment of finished products to take used

recyclable material back to the manufacturer instead of returning empty.

There are many companies in Maryland that reuse materials. These com-

panies (see listing under “Recycling Resources” in the back of the guide)

receive donations of usable materials from individuals and organizations

and sell the materials at reduced rates for reuse. While most of us are

familiar with organizations such as Amvets, Goodwill and Salvation Army,

other companies include the Loading Dock (provides reusable construction

materials to non-profit builders) and restore (provides usable materials such

as buttons, zippers and paper to day care centers). Reuse organizations are

an available source for accepting unwanted material and for obtaining

usable products at reduced rates.

The Northeast Authority also plans to work with local businesses to

establish a waste exchange. A waste exchange matches waste generators with

waste users. The goal is to recycle valuable waste resources back into in-

dustrial and commercial businesses. Businesses will provide information on

available recyclables and the Authority will help match them with businesses

needing these recyclables.

The Northeast Industrial Waste Exchange (see resources), incorporated

in 1989, operates a waste exchange for the states of Connecticut, Delaware,

Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. While their efforts have

focused primarily on hazardous materials, they are now doing matches on

non-hazardous industrial waste as well. The Authority will work with the

Northeast Industrial Waste Exchange in developing local programs.

Purchasing officials should work with salvage operators, who sell or

donate usable equipment to other organizations. They can tell you which

products are reusable and recyclable and can identify products that are

most likely to be reused by government agencies, private citizens, rebuild-

ers, recyclers, and nonprofit organizations.

Evaluating aWaste Reduction ProgramEvaluating a waste reduction program requires an assessment of

each waste reduction strategy by quantifying results. For each

waste reduction method complete the following information:

1. Describe waste reduction method/strategy.

2. Quantify savings in terms of weight:

n Amount of reduced material purchased or disposed of x

weight of each unit.

n Use of unit per day x 240 days (number of working days

per year) x weight per unit.

3. Quantify savings in terms of dollars:

n total cost savings.

n cost of each unit x number of units.

Examples:

1. Your organization implements double-sided copying and buys

100 less reams of paper per year at $3.00 per ream.

Savings in weight: 100 reams x 5 lbs. per ream = 500

lbs. or .25 tons.

Savings in dollars: 100 reams x $3.00 per ream = $300.

2. Your organization uses the back side of used paper for scratch pads and eliminates the need for new memo pads.

Savings in weight: 1,000 memo pads x 1 lb. per pad

= 1,000 lbs. or,

100 reams of waste paper reduced

x 5 lbs. per ream = 500 lbs.

Savings-in dollars: 1,000 memo pads x $0.02 per

pad = $5.00.

Savings may also occur in collection and disposal fees through

reduced tipping fees, smaller dumpsters and less frequent disposal service.

EmployeeParticipation:

TheKey toSuccessEmployee training is an

essential element in estab-

lishing a successful waste

reduction program. The

following educational tools

will help guarantee employee

cooperation:

q Conduct a brief (15 to

20 minutes) training pro-

gram at the outset to in-

troduce employees to the

program and encourage

participation.

q Provide posters, flyers

and other training

materials to remind

employees of the need to

reduce waste and its rela-

tionship to the company’s

“bottom line.”

q Encourage employees to

provide suggestions on waste

reduction techniques. Con-

sider providing cash prizes

for waste reduction contests

or initiate other incentive

programs. Let employees

know their efforts are helping.

q Provide annual reports on

company progress.

Three million carsare abandoned

each year inthe United States

Estimating Quantitiesof RecyclablesQuantities and types of recyclables will vary from business to business. For

example, offices typically generate large amounts of high grade and mixed

paper, while retail stores discard large volumes of recyclable corrugated

cardboard.

The following information, combined with the results of your waste

audit, will assist you in estimating recyclable quantities in your office.

High Grade Office Paper- On the average, each office worker generates

one-half pound of high grade office paper per day (copier paper, letter-

head, and computer paper). This formula will help you estimate your

paper generation rate:

(Number of employees) x .5 lb/person/day x 240 days = lbs. paper/yr.

EXAMPLE:

65 employees x .5 lb x 240 days = 7800 lbs/paper/yr.

Other Materials-The examples of “recyclables density” provided in the

table below are presented only as a guide to assist you in estimating the

amount of recyclable material in your office waste stream. The density of

material will depend on how your waste is stored, collected and disposed.

For example, your audit may show that half of a six cubic yard dumpster is

full of loose, uncompacted corrugated cardboard. Using the formula below,

you can estimate the quantity of discarded recyclable cardboard as follows:

3 cubic yards x 40 lbs./cu.yd. (density of corrugated cardboard boxes)

= 120 lbs.

To obtain a weekly total of discarded corrugated cardboard, multiply 120 lbs.

times the number of times the dumpster is serviced.

To estimate the quantity of other recyclables use the same formula with the

density table below.

WORKSHEET 1

Pre-Audit Survey

Make additional copies of these worksheets for your audit.

Department or area of audit:

Name of Guide:

Phone Number:

Audit Starting Location

Title:

Date:

WORKSHEET 2

Materials Summary

WORKSHEET 3

Total Materials Potentially Divertedfrom the Waste Stream

Use the subtotals from Worksheet 2 to complete the following form:

T he economic advantages of commercial recycling are

clear. Commercial recycling programs can reduce waste

volumes and disposal costs, provide revenue from the sale

of recyclable material and reduce operating costs. Recycling

provides raw material to make new products and creates jobs in

collection, processing and manufacturing. Over time, recycling

saves energy and natural resources and can enhance a com-

pany’s public image.

Paper is by far the single most recyclable office product. According to

studies prepared for the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s National Office Paper

Recycling Project, wastepaper in a typical office represents 70 percent of

the waste stream. While waste composition will vary from office to office,

most offices focus on collecting wastepaper for recycling.

Starting a wastepaper recycling program involves a systematic process. It

requires a long-term organizational commitment to reducing waste. An eight-

step approach to office recycling will help you start a successful program.

SampleCommercial

CollectionContainers

A Step-by-Step Approachto Office Paper Recycling

1 Obtain the Support ofExecutive Management

Management support for your recycling program is necessary for

planning and implementation because staff time and expenses

will be involved.

2 Appoint a Coordinator andProgram Monitors to Plan andImplement the Program

The coordinator determines program and start-up costs and

works with local recyclers and employees to ensure smooth pro-

gram implementation. Program monitors assist the coordinator

with employee education. They help keep participation rates up

and contamination rates down.

3 Determine Number of People WhoWill Participate and Types andAmounts of Paper Generated

A good rule of thumb is that each office employee generates ap-

proximately one-half pound of paper each day. The selection of

paper to be recycled will depend on local market conditions and

the types of paper being used in your office. A reputable and

experienced recycler can assist you in determining the types of

paper that can be recycled.

o How long have they been

in business?

o Can references be

provided?

o How should materials be

prepared (separated or

mixed)?

o Will they pay for

recyclables?

o How will the pricing struc-

ture work (fixed price or

price tied to market index)?

o Will assistance be pro-

vided for collection con-

tainers, promotional

materials or training?

o Will recyclables be col-

lected on a scheduled or

on-call basis?

o If confidentiality is a con-

cern, are document

destruction or confiden-

tiality assurances

available?

o How must materials be

prepared (consolidation in

a central location or for

pick-up from a loading

dock)?

Non-PaperRecyclableOffice

While this guide focuses on

office wastepaper, the same

principles can apply to recy-

cling all types of office waste.

n wood shipping pallets

n uniforms and rags

n aluminum and steel

containers

n other ferrous and non-

ferrous metals

n glass and plastic

containers

n yard waste from land-

scaping (leaves, grass and

shrubs)

n cleaning solvents

n used oil from vehicles.

n batteries

4 Discuss the Program withL o c a l R e c y c l e r s

This includes determining what materials are acceptable and un-

acceptable and who will provide collection containers and pro-

motional materials. Look in the phone book under “recycling” or

“wastepaper” or contact the recycling resources listed in the back

of the guide.

To ensure long-term program success, it is important to es-

tablish a contract or agreement with a reputable recycler. Prices

for recyclables fluctuate with market conditions. These fluctua-

tions must be considered in developing the contract or agree-

ment and determining costs.

5 Develop an EfficientCollection System.

Separating recyclables reduces contamination, which lowers the

value of the paper and other recyclables. Consider these points

when developing a collection system:

o Identify where recyclables are generated and determine ap-

propriate container sizes.

o Be creative! Design a collection system uniquely suited to

your business needs.

o The recycling program will not result in more waste, but will

require different handling methods for additional streams of

recyclables.

o Become familiar with local fire codes when planning to store

combustible recyclables.

The most common separation methods for office paper are desk

top containers, a second trash can and central collection areas.

Each collection receptacle should be clearly labeled for specific

recyclable material. Acceptable and unacceptable material should

be posted. Ask your local recycler if they will provide employee

or central containers and if they will provide promotional material

Recycle-It™ lids Papersavr™

Employee Participation and IncentivesTo achieve a successful recycling and waste reduction program, all employ-

ees must be willing to participate. Some employees may not be interested or

may consider it an inconvenience. Incentive programs will help overcome

this potential problem. Some of the employee incentive programs listed

below may be appropriate for your business.

Retail /Industrial /Restaurant Facilities

n The employee who collects the most used clothing for one month

receives a gift certificate for a nominal amount or some form of special

recognition.

n Group awards for the most recyclables collected can be doughnuts or

bagels paid for by the company or an unannounced break with snacks,

n Post the names of winning employees or groups of employees in visible

areas, such as the lunchroom, with a thank-you poster.

Offices

n The department that collects the most recycled paper by weight receives

lunch, paid for by the company. Other employees will definitely notice!

n The department with the largest reduction in paper usage due to writing

on the back of paper and double-sided copying receives a helium

balloon to attach to their office space (more recognition).

n The employee who makes the most contributions to the program, that is

offers suggestions or assists in the program concept, is recognized at a

staff meeting or through an interoffice memo.

n The employee who collects the most cans and bottles in their office

space during a specific time frame, one month for example, receives a

check for $10.

n For an on-the-spot inspection, the employee with the most material in

their recycling bin receives a $10 bill right then.

n For the whole company, the money saved in the total program is placed

in the company benefits fund or donated to a charity on behalf of each

employee.

Americans receive

almost 4 million tons

of junk mail per year

TO: All Employees

FROM: [Chief Executive]

SUBJECT: Office Recycling Program

On (DATE), (COMPANY) will begin an office recycling program. The objective

of this program is to recycle (LIST PRODUCTS) that we generate in the

(OFFICE / FACILITY).

The recycling program is simple and will require few changes in our daily

habits. Each of you will receive a special recycling box in which you should place

uncrumpled acceptable types of paper instead of throwing it in the trash can.

A list of the types of paper we are trying to recover is attached to this memo

and is printed on the recycling boxes.

At your convenience, please take the accumulated paper to one of the near-

by central collection containers. These (CARTS, BOXES, etc.) are located (LIST-

PRINTERS, COPIERS, OTHER LOCATIONS).’

The material that we currently shred will continue to be shredded as usual

and will be recycled. If you feel more comfortable tearing a document before

placing it in the recycling container, please feel free to do so. The size of the

paper does not matter.

There are also white boxes with lids and two holes for your used beverage

containers. They are located in (LOCATIONS). Please make sure that the cans

are completely empty. Wet cans are rejected, not recycled. We are only recycling

used beverage cans, so do not place food containers in the boxes. Please do

not use the recycling containers for garbage!

On (DATE), there will be a brief 15-20 minute training program for all em-

ployees. Training sessions will be scheduled every half hour during the day, so

that all employees can attend without disrupting business, We will distribute a

schedule so that you can attend this important meeting.

The success of this program depends on you. (COMPANY) is doing its part

to reduce the burden on Maryland’s waste disposal facilities and protect the en-

vironment. Please join us and recycle!

Most office paper recycling systems use central containers

where employees place separated paper from their desk top con-

tainers. These central containers are then emptied by janitorial

or other personnel and the paper is placed in a larger container

for shipment to a paper dealer. The containers should be clearly

identified as recycling containers to avoid contamination.

Excellent locations for central containers are by copy

machines, computer printing areas and other places where large

volumes of recyclable paper accumulate. One large central con-

tainer for every 15-25 employees is recommended. A list of

container vendors is included under “Recycling Resources” in

the back of the guide.

Educate all Employees6The program will succeed only if every employee (including the

chief executive) understands the importance of recycling and is

motivated to participate. A well-publicized kick-off meeting, with

a 15-20 minute training session (including program needs,

goals, collection methods, and acceptable and unacceptable

items) is critical. Training must continue after the program

begins, with frequent reminders to employees. New employees

should be trained as part of regular orientation programs. A

“kick-off’ memo to all employees is an effective way to begin in-

ternal communication about the program (see sample memo on

page 16).

Coordinate Your Collection7 Program with Your Purchases

Whenever possible, buy only products that can be recycled in

your program. This may include replacing yellow legal pads,

glossy papers, window envelopes, sticky labels and other pro-

ducts with those that are recyclable in your program.

This will encourage increased participation and enthusiasm and

provide reliable information to convince other organizations to

establish similar efforts. 2-3 billion tiresare stockpiled inthe United States

T he Maryland Recycling Act established goals of 20

percent recycling in the State’s seven largest counties and

15 percent in the smaller counties by 1994. Markets for

recovered materials are needed to absorb the new supply of

recyclables entering the marketplace. One way to expand these

markets is to purchase recycled products.

What Is A Recycled Product?

The term “recycled product” means a product produced in whole or in part

from secondary material recovered from converting waste or post-consumer

waste. Recycled product may also mean a product that has been rebuilt,

such as a rebuilt engine.

Recycling Involves Three ElementsAs represented by the three arrows in the recycl-

ing symbol, recycling involves three elements:

collection, manufacturing and reuse. The three

elements must be in balance to fully realize the

potential of recycling as a means of waste man-

agement, energy conservation and resource con-

servation. Merely collecting recyclables is not

recycling. Recycling is successful only when re-

covered materials are returned to the economic

mainstream in the form of new raw materials or

products.

The overall goal of a “Buy Recycled” program is to convince manufac-

turers that demand exists for recycled products. This provides an incentive

to make investments in new recycling equipment.

Government Programs HaveHelped Encourage New Markets

Government sponsored “Buy Recycled” programs have already created a

good climate for private sector efforts. Maryland law includes a five percent

preference for recycled products and a requirement that 40 percent of State

paper purchases be recycled paper. In fiscal year 1991, more than 70 per-

cent of the paper purchased by State agencies was recycled paper. Addi-

tionally, a number of local governments and regional organizations in Mary-

land have instituted buying policies that favor recycled products.

At the national level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has

published purchasing guidelines for five products: recycled paper and

paper products, rerefined oil, retread tires, building insulation, and cement

and concrete made with fly ash. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and

more than 100 local governments have instituted policies favoring purchase

and use of recycled products.

Businesses and non-profits in Maryland also are beginning to use

recycled products, but much more remains to be done. Buying recycled

products, a major step in the waste reduction and recycling process, re-

quires the following tasks:

How to Implement a RecycledProduct Purchasing Program1. Make a Commitment to Buy: Establish a policy to buy recycled

products. This commitment will provide leadership to users. It shows

manufacturers and suppliers that a consistent, long-term demand exists.

2. Review Purchasing Specifications: Review existing specifications

to eliminate prohibitions or limitations against recycled products. This

includes obvious clauses such as “virgin products only” and more sub-

tle specifications such as brightness levels for paper.

3. Use Common Definitions and Percentages: Organizations

should use existing minimum content standards and definitions.

Manufacturers cannot supply different products for every organization.

Standard specifications enable manufacturers to offer commodity items

at a lower cost than specialty items (see EPA paper guideline standards

on page 21).

4. Buy a Variety of Recycled Products: Even though paper makes

up the largest portion of the waste stream, buying recycled paper alone

is not enough. Consider buying these recycled products:

Americans throw away

enough glass bottles

and jars every two

weeks to fill the

1,350-foot towers of

the World Trade Center

Americans throw awayenough plastic

soda bottlesin a year to

circle the earth

Also consider using recycling services such as tire retreading and oil

recycling companies. A list of companies in Maryland that sell recycled

products is included under “Recycling Resources” in the back of the

guide.

5. Test Products: Test recycled products to determine how they work

on certain equipment and for particular end uses before purchasing

large amounts. Consider “blind” tests of products to avoid bias against

recycled products.

6. Use a Phased-In Approach: It is wise to phase-in the use of

recycled products so that users can adjust to the program and manu-

facturers can make capital investments to produce recycled products.

7. Offer Price Incentives: Recycled products may be more expensive

than virgin products. This may be due to the small number of manu-

facturers producing recycled products or changing economic condition

The following three measures can help your organization fulfill its con

mitment to buy recycled products:

1. Offer a small price preference to suppliers (allow recycled

products to be five to ten percent more expensive).

3. Consider life-cycle costing (where factors such as disposal cost

are factored into the initial price).

3. Establish set-asides (where a certain percentage of purchases

are reserved for recycled products).

Many public sector organizations have adopted price incentives as an

investment in market development.

8. Foster Cooperation Among Manufacturers, Vendors andUsers: Organizations must actively solicit bids from manufacturers an

vendors of recycled products and widely publicize the bids. Manufac-

turers and vendors must be encouraged to provide a wide range of

products and let users know about them.

9. Participate In Cooperative Purchasing: Organizations should

join together to buy recycled products. Cooperative purchases expand

the volume purchased, reduce unit costs, help ensure availability, and

establish common specifications.

10. Waste Reduction and Recyclability: In addition to buying re-

cycled products, organizations should buy recyclable products.

11. Educate Employees: Encourage your employees to request recycle

products for their office product needs.

12. Keep Records: Keep good records on the recycled products you buy.

13. Publicize Your Efforts: Provide information on the amount of

recycled products purchased. This will encourage enthusiasm and in-

creased participation in the program. It will encourage other organiza-

tions to establish similar efforts.

Implementation Schedules for Year OneThe charts below present reasonable time frames within a 12-month period for

implementing waste reduction and recycling programs. Some organizations may

be able to move faster than others but one year is generally sufficient for new

programs to be established. These charts can be used by program managers to

track the progress of each program and to prepare annual progress reports.

EPA Guidelines forPaper and Paper ProductsContaining Recovered MaterialsEPA recommends that procuring agencies set their minimum content levelsat the highest levels that meet the statutory requirements but no lower thanthe levels shown in the table below

MinimumMinimum percentage of Minimum

percentage of postconsumer percentage ofrecovered recovered wastematerials materials materials1

Newsprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High grade bleached printingand writing papers:

Offset printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mimeo and duplicator paper . . . .Writing (stationery) . . . . . . . . . . . .Office paper (e.g., note pads) . . . .Paper for high-speed copiers . . . .Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Form bond including computer

paper and carbonless paper . . .Book papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bond papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ledger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cotton fiber papers . . . . . . . . . . .

Tissue Products:Toilet tissue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paper towels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paper napkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Facial tissue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doilies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Industrial wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unbleached Packaging:Corrugated boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fiber boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brown papers (e.g., bags) . . . . . . . .

Recycled Paperboard:Recycled paperboard products

including folding cartons . . . . .Pad backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

40

50505050*

50

*

50505050

204030

540

0

3535

5

8090

Explanations:1. Waste paper refers to specified postconsumer and other recovered materials.* EPA found insufficient production of these papers with recycled content to assure adequate

competition.

Americans throw awayenough motor oilevery year to fill120 super-tankers

RECYCLING COMPANIES

Paper

2nd Chance ChesapeakeP.O. Box 5665Baltimore, MD 21210(800) 732-4262Lydia S. Thomas(also aluminum)

Vangel Paper, Inc.178-180 Alco PlaceBaltimore, MD 21227(410) 536-4354Valerie Smith-Androutsopoulos(also aluminum)

Weyerhaeuser Paper Company7270 Park Circle DriveDorsey, MD 21076(410) 796-7000Abagail Little

ABC Box Company1135 Leadenhall StreetBaltimore, MD 21230(410) 752-4535Maury Learner

Athelas National RecoveryIndustry

9250 Rumsey RoadColumbia, MD 21045(410) 740-9460High Grade PaperJohn Contreras

Baltimore Recycling725 Pitman RoadBaltimore, MD 21226(410) 789-9440Greg Isaac

Brooklyn Salvage and WasteCompany

1600 Carbon AvenueBaltimore, MD 21226(410) 355-4455Colleen Darden

Canusa Corporation1616 Shakespeare StreetBaltimore, MD 21231(410) 522-0110Bruce Fleming

D.C. Intercel1401 Cherry HillBaltimore, MD 21225(410) 355-5800R. Shrader

G & S Recycling Corporation60 Alco PlaceBaltimore, MD 21227(410) 644-7756Jackie Shiflett

Kline Paper Mill Supplies9475 Gerwig LaneColumbia, MD 21046(410) 381-6363

Mid Atlantic RecyclingCorporation

Pier One 2000 S. Clinton StreetP.O. Box 12419Baltimore, Maryland 21281-2419(410) 276-0590David Tolzmann, Jr.

RECYCLING COMPANIES

Modem Junk and SalvageCompany1423 North Fremont AvenueBaltimore, MD 21217(410) 669-8290Joseph Brightman(also - glass, metals, plastics)

The Owl Corporation1936 Rettman LaneDundalk, Maryland 21222(410) 282-0066Tom Leyden(also - glass, metals)

Potter’s Salvage Company,Inc.

1722 Greenmount AvenueBaltimore, MD 21202(410) 837-5553Dan Friedlander(also aluminum)

Simkins Industries, Inc.P.O. Box 3247Catonsville, MD 21228(410) 747-5100Vernon Russell

Paper Recycling International10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 400Owings Mills, MD 21117(410) 356-8857

Westreet Industries8910 Kelso RoadBaltimore, MD 21237(410) 686-8400C. Burkhart

The Great Bay Group1900 Monkton RoadMonkton, MD 21111(410) 329-3808Jeff Bridges

Ponderosa Fibers of America2115 N. Charles StreetBaltimore, MD 21218(410) 727-8365Jerome L. Goodman

Suburban Insulation115F Maugans AvenueHagerstown, MD 21740(301) 791-7360(800) 231-1939Steve Martin

The Chesapeake PaperboardCompany

Fort Avenue & Woodall StreetBaltimore, MD 21230(410) 752-1842Murrell E. Smith, Jr.

Mid-Atlantic RecyclingCorporation

Pier One2000 South Clinton StreetP.0. Box 12419Baltimore, MD 21281-2419(410) 276-0590David C. Tolzmann, Jr.

Plastics

PolySource Mid-Atlantic, Inc.7120 Golden Ring RoadSuites 105 & 106Baltimore, MD 21221(410) 547-7687Beth Passavant

Wellman, Inc.1040 Broad Street, Suite 302Shrewsbury, NJ 07702(201) 542-7300Harry Benson