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This Pollution Prevention Program Area contains guidance, tools, examples, and analyses of products and processes which can be substituted for existing products/processes or added to existing processes to reduce/eliminate pollution. These tools, examples, products, and processes are all aids to meeting the EO 13423 and EO 13514 goals.
As detailed in EO 13423 Section 2(e), pollution prevention primarily consists of:
- reducing the quantity of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed of by the agency,
- increasing diversion of solid waste as appropriate, and
- maintaining cost effective waste prevention and recycling programs in its facilities.
EO 13423, Section 3(a) further stipulates that pollution prevention is done by implementing sustainable practices for pollution waste prevention and recycling, as well as the reduction or elimination of acquisition and use of toxic or hazardous chemicals.
In contrast to EO 13423, EO 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, dated 5 October 2009 includes specific pollution prevention reduction and diversion targets which agencies are required to reach. These specific targets include (EO 13514, para 2(e)):
- diverting at least 50 percent of non-hazardous solid waste, excluding construction and demolition debris, by the end of fiscal year 2015;
- diverting at least 50 percent of construction and demolition materials and debris by the end of fiscal year 2015.
Other, more general pollution prevention and waste reduction goals of EO 13514 include (EO 13514, para 2(e)):
minimizing the generation of waste and pollutants through source reduction;
- minimizing the generation of waste and pollutants through source reduction;
- reducing printing paper use;
- reducing and minimizing the quantity of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed of;
- increasing diversion of compostable and organic material from the waste stream;
- implementing integrated pest management and other appropriate landscape management practices;
- increasing agency use of acceptable alternative chemicals and processes in keeping with the agency's procurement policies;
- decreasing agency use of chemicals where such decrease will assist the agency in achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (see Program Area
Greenhouse Gases).
The following definitions from the EOs are applicable to this Program Area:
- Agency - an executive agency as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, excluding the Government Accountability Office (EO 13514, Section 19(a)).
- Construction and Demolition Materials and Debris - materials and debris generated during construction, renovation, demolition, or dismantling of all structures and buildings and associated infrastructure (EO 13514, Section 19(d)).
- Divert and Diverting - redirecting materials that might otherwise be placed in the waste stream to recycling or recovery, excluding diversion to waste-to-energy facilities (EO 13514, Section 19(e)).
- Sustainability and Sustainable - to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirement of present and future generations of Americans (EO 13423, Section 9 and EO 13514, Section 19(l)).
Please use the links below to quickly jump to the information area needed or scroll down to view all items.
For pollution prevention guidance pertaining to motor vehicles, please see the Transportation Program Area.
For pollution prevention guidance related to electronics, see the Electronics Stewardship Program Area.
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Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management
24 January 2007
Executive Order 13423 "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management", signed by President Bush on January 24, 2007. The order sets goals in the areas of energy efficiency, acquisition, renewable energy, toxics reductions, recycling, renewable energy, sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, fleets, and water conservation. In addition the order requires more widespread use of Environmental Management Systems as the framework in which to manage and continually improve these sustainable practices.
In accordance with Section 4(b) of Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management", implementing instructions have been issued to Federal agencies to provide detail and direction to agencies as the work to fulfill the goals and requirement of the Executive Order. Section 8 of these instructions are specific to pollution prevention. These instructions are dated March 29, 2007.
Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
5 October 2009
This EO sets sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focuses on making improvements in their environmental, energy and economic performance. The Executive Order requires Federal agencies to set a 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target within 90 days; increase energy efficiency; reduce fleet petroleum consumption; conserve water; reduce waste; support sustainable communities; and leverage Federal purchasing power to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies.
The 1990 Pollution Prevention Act focused industry, government, and public attention on reducing the amount of pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use. Opportunities for source reduction are often not realized because of existing regulations, and the industrial resources required for compliance, focus on treatment and disposal. Source reduction is fundamentally different and more desirable than waste management or pollution control.
A voluntary product stewardship agreement achieved through multistakeholder dialogue. It has been signed by 7 states, the USEPA, and more than 95% of the industry. The focus of the MOU is a series of goals for reuse, recycling, and waste diversion of carpeting by 2012.
A part of the Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings MOU, paragraph III of this January 2006 document requires that Federal facilities employ strategies that in aggregate use a minimum of 20 percent less potable water than the indoor water use baseline calculated for the building, after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements. For outdoor water use it promotes the use of water efficient landscape and irrigation strategies, including water reuse and recycling, to reduce outdoor potable water consumption by a minimum of 50 percent over that consumed by conventional means (plant species and plant densities).
In 2005, Federal agencies requested responses from the General Services Administration regarding recycling and the disposition of property under the personal property rules.
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This site is devoted to current and prospective federal government users of biobased products. It includes the Biobased Products Best Practices Guide, product information, and profiles of federal agencies who are successfully using biobased products.
A monthly newsletter that covers a broad range of environmental topics with an emphasis on recycling.
A monthly newsletter from the US EPA with information about activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference in their homes, communities, and offices.
Addresses major environmental issues (such as meat consumption, transportation, and energy use) and offers a range of suggestions for readers to reduce their environmental impact in their everyday activities. Greentips is sent out on a monthly basis. Sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
IRTA's quarterly newsletter reports the latest environmental news and discussing current issues involving cleaning, coating and adhesive technologies.
A resource directory for local governments to use in developing and implementing climate change initiatives. This guide includes information on, among many other items, how the U.S. EPA can help with:
- greening transportation;
- land-use decisions and building construction requirements;
- improving recycling;
- conserving water; and
- using more efficient and renewable energy
Contains information on the recycling industry, new recycling options, electronics recycling, and recycling internationally.
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This tool, funded by EPA, provides information on beneficial use options for industrial byproducts. Some of the byproducts addressed include: construction and demolition debris, chicken manure, scrap tires, drinking water treatment wastes, and coal ash. The portal also contains information on state beneficial use programs.
Helps users to identify available recycling services in their state and city for items such as: plastics (i.e., packing peanuts, bags, containers); paper (i.e., books, newspaper, drink boxes, chipboard, cartons); paint products; organic material (i.e., brush, grass clippings, tree trimmings, weeds, soil); metal (i.e., aerosol cans, vehicles, appliances, cans, foil, hangers, propane tanks); glass; batteries (i.e., vehicle, NiCad, rechargeable); construction and demolition materials (i.e., asphalt, flooring, ceiling tiles, carpet padding, concrete, windows, stone, linoleum, porcelain products, brick); and miscellaneous items such as mattresses, furniture, cooking oils/grease, fluorescent bulbs, and medical equipment.
An electronic information exchange that specializes in the trade of recyclables reclaimed in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) streams, as well as the marketing of eco-friendly products.
A comprehensive clearinghouse, funded by the Joint Services, for pertinent and timely environmental information to help installations and facilities proactively plan for the future of their missions and operations.
An information service of the U.S. EPA dedicated to reducing and eliminating industrial pollutants through technology transfer, source reduction, education and public awareness.
A consortium of eight regional pollution prevention information centers, funded in part through grants from EPA. These centers all provide pollution prevention information, networking opportunities and other services to States, local governments and technical assistance providers in their region. The centers represent a broad constituency, including state and local pollution prevention programs, manufacturing extension partnerships, cooperative extension and nonprofit organizations.
WaterWiser provides news, information, research results, discussion forums, references, calendar of events, searchable information databases, and other resources primarily targeted to water conservation professionals, but freely accessible to others in the water industry and the general public. WaterWiser is produced and maintained by the members of the Water Conservation Division of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and by the AWWA web team.
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ARRA’s mission is to develop new programs, strategies and funding not only to improve the technological side of the industry but to increase the market share for recycled asphalt, as compared to other types of maintenance, preservation, and rehabilitation options. The membership list is searchable to help in identifying asphalt recyclers/reclaimers close to home.
The ALMR is an educational and informational resource to government agencies, municipal authorities, industries and other business entities, universal waste handlers, generators, environmental groups and industry trade organizations. Tools developed include CD-Rom training on recycling mercury-containing lamps
The Institute is a multi-stakeholder association of key individuals and groups from government, industry and academia, which promotes the use, and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting). The BPI is open to any materials and products that demonstrate that they meet the requirements in ASTM D6499 or D6868, based on testing in a approved laboratory. The Compostable Logo can be awarded to any product which meet the requirements in ASTM D6400 or D6868, specifications based on more than 8 years of research by suppliers, composters and academia. Currently the logo has been awarded to a variety of compostable bags and films, food service items, and resins.
The Center helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. It is a coalition of educational organizations, environmental organizations, citizen groups, the National Resources Defense Council, Consumer Federation of America, the Public Utility Law Project, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It addresses issues such as institutional purchasing, development of more sustainable products, living sustainably, and buying wisely.
The Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies (CCPCT) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has a mission to develop, evaluate, and promote cleaner products and cleaner technologies that minimize pollution at the source and contribute to long-term sustainable development.
The first association devoted exclusively to the needs of the rapidly expanding North American construction waste & demolition debris processing and recycling industry. Its mission is promoting the safe and economically feasible recycling of the more than 325 million tons of recoverable construction and demolition materials that are generated in the United States annually.
Has the mission of providing the resources and information needed to divert usable materials from the waste stream and into profitable and environmentally sound reuse. Additionally, the institute provides educational materials, tools and techniques, networking, case studies, articles, facts about the environmental impacts of deconstructing, and many other downloadable and interactive modules.
Provides information on how to contact DLA supported activities and learn about DLA supported activities such as the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS), the Dod Ozone Depleting Substance Reserve,
Fuel-related Environmental Services, Renewable Energy Certificates, Energy Saving Performance Contracts, DoD EMALL, Green Procurement, and the DoD Shelf Life Program
Members of ECCO are dedicated to improving the quality of the environment by working to increase awareness of the environmental aspects and benefits of concrete and concrete products.
This network is a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. The Network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. Each local group is run by a local volunteer moderator. Membership is free. The website will enable you to identify your local group.
The mission of the Green Press Initiative is to work with book and newspaper industry stakeholders to conserve natural resources, preserve endangered forests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize impacts on indigenous communities. GPI is funded primarily through grant foundations.
Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion. Green Seal has no financial interest in the products that it certifies or recommends nor in any manufacturer or company. Green Seal's evaluations are based on state-of-the-art science and information using internationally recognized methods and procedures.
This site helps government customers meet buying green requirements when procuring products, services, and vehicles.
HERC provides pollution prevention and compliance assistance information for the healthcare sector. Areas of focus include hazardous materials, regulated medical waste, waste reduction, facilities and equipment, and regulations and standards.
An international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, health-affected constituencies, labor unions, environmental and environmental health organizations and religious groups. Their mission is to transform the health care sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment.
A nonprofit organization committed to promoting and communicating the benefits and advantages of waterless printing to printers and their suppliers, but most importantly to the print-buying community at large.
The NCER is dedicated to the enhancement of the national infrastructure for recycling used electronics under the direction of an Industry Advisory Committee of manufacturers who are the leaders in the environmental field.
This center provides a testing ground for innovation and promotes it across EPA offices and programs.
The National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns advocates safe, healthy, LIVING lawns and landscapes with the use of organic and least toxic practices and products that nurture healthy lawns and landscapes and protect the health of children, families, pets, wildlife and the environment from unnecessary exposure to toxic pesticides.
NSWMA is a trade association representing for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services, and companies that provide professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. NSWMA’s mission statement is to promote the management of waste in a manner that is environmentally responsible, efficient, profitable and ethical, while benefiting the public and protecting employees.
NERC's mission is to leverage the strengths and resources of its member states to advance an environmentally sustainable economy in the Northeast by promoting source reduction, recycling, and the purchasing of environmentally preferable products and services. Specifically, the site provides links to state recycling organizations in the northeast.
PCRC is maintained by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS). The PCRC is one of the Compliance Assistance Centers developed by industry-government partnerships, with support from EPA's Office of Compliance.
This organization specifically addresses pollution prevent opportunities for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment.
A non-profit public service organization dedicated to recycling used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. RBRC collects the Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead *(Pb) rechargeable batteries through their national program, Call2Recycle™, and with the help of retail and community partners. To find the collection site nearest you, use the online locator or call our toll free helpline 1-800-8-BATTERY or 1-877-2-RECYCLE.
This site is a showcase for recycle-content products. RecycleStore showcases innovative recycled-content products and puts you in touch directly with their manufacturers.
It is the mission of SERDC to unite industry, government and non-government organizations to promote sustainable recycling in the Southeast.
The mission of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership is to encourage and promote participation in the worldwide movement to reduce environmental impact and increase social responsibility of the print and graphic communications industry through sustainable green printing practices. SGP Partnership recognizes the following sustainable business practices as guiding principles to ensure continued viability and growth: (1) Employ, wherever and whenever possible, materials derived from renewable resources or with low environmental impact, maximizing recycling and recovery efforts with efficient utilization of renewable energy; (2) Encourage the adoption of changes within the supply chain by strongly recommending the use of raw materials that do not threaten or harm future generations; and (3) Educate the customer and ultimate consumer regarding the benefits of a restorative economy. Printers can be listed as a certified SGP Printer by meeting a set of criteria to establish performance standards. Certified SGP printers can be identified through the SGP website.
The USCC (Council) is a non profit national organization that directs the Composting Council Research and Education Foundation (CCREF), which administers public and private research and education grant activities. The USCC is dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of the composting industry based upon science, principles of sustainability, and economic viability.
FPL’s research scientists are looking at ways to promote clean water, better homes, improved recycling processes, and healthier forests. Research concentrates on pulp and paper products, housing and structural uses of wood, wood preservation, wood and fungi identification, and finishing and restoration of wood products. In addition to traditional lines of research, FPL is responding to environmental pressures on the forest resource by using cutting-edge techniques to study recycling, develop environmentally friendly technology, and understand ecosystem-based forest management.
This is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient use of water resources through education, sound science, and technology using reclamation, recycling, reuse and desalination for the benefit of our members, the public, and the environment.
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Awards were given to facilities and teams for innovative pollution prevention activities such as the reuse of asphalt cutting to pave a 4.1 mile road at the Mojave National Preserve; the installation of water bottle filling stations at Zion National Park; and the establishment of recycling in remote areas of Byrce Canyon.
This award is given to recognize efforts to prevent or eliminate pollution at the source, including practices that increase efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources. These are annual awards celebrating the previous years' accomplishments/innovations. Nominations are typically accepted until March and the awards given in June.
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Published in 2009 by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, this study compares a wide range of environmental impacts (including greenhouse gas emissions) of drinking water from the tap, 5-gallon reusables, and single-use bottles. It compares the environmental impacts of tap water ("reduce") against the impacts of bottled water ("recycle" and "dispose"). The study confirms that while recycling bottles is environmentally preferable to disposing of them, buying bottled water and recycling the bottles is not the best environmental choice. Drinking water from the tap (waste prevention) typically has substantially lower impacts in most categories of environmental impact.
This Public Work Technical Bulletin (PWTB) 200-1-40, dated 31 July 2006, provides guidance based on experiences of recovering, reusing, and recycling building materials typically disposed of as demolition waste on Army installations. It will assist in implementing practices to reduce the amount of demolition debris generated by the removal of surplus buildings.
Multiple case studies on the recycling/reuse of construction and demolition debris.
This Public Work Technical Bulletin (PWTB) 200-1-45, dated 1 February 2007, provides case studies and lessons learned on the deconstruction of excess or surplus buildings at seven Army installations.
This report is the results of a pilot project for food waste separation.
Multiple case studies concerning food waste recovery.
Results of comparison testing done by U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
This life-cycle assessment (LCA) evaluated the potential environmental impacts of selected lead-free solders as alternatives to tin-lead solder. This LCA assessed impacts related to material consumption, energy use, air resources, water resources, landfills, human toxicity, and ecological toxicity. The partnership also investigated leachability and recycling of solders at the end of their lives. The solders evaluated were: tin/lead, tin/copper, tin/silver/copper, bismuth/tin/silver, tin/silver/bismuth/copper.
An EPA technology fact sheet.
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A series of EPA fact sheets describing various ways to control erosion caused by storm water at construction sites, including compost blankets and compost filter socks.
These webcasts show lawn care practices that will reduce pesticide and nutrient risks to human health and the environment. Topics include: mowing, watering, soil testing, runoff control, aeration, and pest control.
EPA Region 3’s guidance on designing and maintaining beautiful yards, gardens, and larger landscapes to: reduce harm to the environment; save time and $ with lower maintenance; have healthier places to work and play.
This brochure was developed for homeowners and is a joint effort of the EPA Office of Solid Waste, Office of Water and Office of Pesticide Programs. The brochure addresses how to plant right for the site, conserve water, reduce yard waste, and use pesticides wisely.
Released by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on 31 October 2011, this guidance describes strategies to achieve sustainable Federal landscape practices. This guidance is to be used by Federal agencies for landscape practices when constructing new, or rehabilitating existing, owned or leased facilities, or when landscaping improvements are otherwise planned.
IPM minimizes the use of chemical substances by utilizing routine monitoring to determine if pest control measures are necessary. IPM also employs educational methods to control pest populations. Application of least-toxic chemicals is used as a last resort. IPM can be used to control pests such as rodents, insects, fungi, weeds, and other vegetation, therefore reducing the use of rodenticides, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
Landscaping with native plants improves the environment. Native plants are hardy because they have adapted to the local conditions. Once established, native plants do not need pesticides, fertilizers, or watering. Not only is this good for the environment, it saves time and money.
Discusses the benefits of and "how tos" of composting as well as grasscycling and vermiculture.
List of the current comprehensive procurement guidelines for hoses.
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This site offers information to help you choose a cleaner burning hearth appliance (e.g., gas or wood stove) and use it efficiently and safely. Roughly six percent of all fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) in the United States comes from wood smoke. In some areas where woodstove use is high, wood smoke can account for a greater share of PM 2.5. Replacing older wood stoves with EPA-certified stoves can reduce wood smoke -- by 70 percent on average.
This web site outlines many practical steps to reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage.
This EPA report " Waste Not, Want Not" outlines a food waste reduction hierarchy that shows how productive use can be made of much of the excess food that is currently contributing to leachate and methane formation in landfills.
Discussed in the fact sheets are high efficiency toilet, composting toilet, incinerating toilets, and oil recirculating toilets. Each fact sheet includes the following information: environmental, Public, and consumer benefits; a description of the technology; limitations; consumer tips; costs and references for additional information.
The Janitorial Products P2 Project ("JP4") is producing a series of fact sheets on environmental, health, and safety issues. The fact sheets are meant for individual janitorial workers, supervisors, and EH&S staff. Fact sheets address toilet cleaning, hard floor care, carpet care, restroom cleaning, glass cleaning, metal cleaning, and disinfectants.
Lamprecycle.org is a resource for any light bulb ("lamp") user seeking details on recycling spent mercury-containing lamps, but is particularly useful for facilities managers, MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) personnel, commercial or residential property managers, environmental programs managers, lamp distributors, and government/regulatory employees for commercial or office buildings, hospitals, warehouses, military bases, manufacturing plants and retail stores.
An EPA initiative to reduce the use of mercury-containing non-fever thermometers in industrial and commercial settings. Measurement and control devices, including glass non-fever thermometers, found in industrial and laboratory settings represent a major use category for mercury-containing products, but in many cases effective non-mercury alternative products exist. EPA is examining ways to transition to mercury-free alternatives both within EPA and outside of the Agency.
A voluntary program to promote environmentally responsible disposal of these household appliances, which will significantly reduce emissions as well as save consumers money. As part of the Program, EPA serves as a technical clearinghouse on responsible appliance disposal program development and implementation.
Provides ideas and suggestions month by month on waste alternatives, innovative technologies, and recycling opportunities.
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This page includes best management practices for health care facilities, medical waste disposal, and dental offices.
HERC provides pollution prevention and compliance assistance information for the healthcare sector. Areas of focus include hazardous materials, regulated medical waste, waste reduction, facilities and equipment, and regulations and standards.
This EPA website includes best management practices for health care facilities, medical waste disposal, and dental offices.
Identifies where mercury is found in hospitals, how it be eliminated and cost savings. Explains why mercury should be eliminated.
Fact Sheet concerning the disposal/recycling of used oxygen breathing apparatus canisters.
An EPA initiative to reduce the use of mercury-containing non-fever thermometers in industrial and commercial settings. Measurement and control devices, including glass non-fever thermometers, found in industrial and laboratory settings represent a major use category for mercury-containing products, but in many cases effective non-mercury alternative products exist. EPA is examining ways to transition to mercury-free alternatives both within EPA and outside of the Agency.
Sponsored by the Healthcare Environmental Resource Center, the site addresses pollution prevention issues specific to medical facilities such as: mercury reduction, alternative sterilants and disinfectants, integrated pest management, alternative cleaning chemicals, laboratory chemical alternatives, mercury-free alternatives, water conservation, and energy conservation.
This study was funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was aimed at developing an integrated pollution prevention and occupational safety and health intervention assessment strategy for hospitals. The article discusses possible changes, results of changes, and how long it took to successfully implement changes. For example, formaldehyde replacement required six months to complete, while conventional mopping replacement required six weeks. Other changes discussed included: replacement of xylene, mercury reduction, digital radiology imaging, as well as processes and procedures (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume - v3, Issue 4 April 2006 , pages 182 – 193).
Dated February 2005, this compliance assistance booklet is designed to give government staff and operators of healthcare facilities a general understanding of the major environmental issues associated with this industry and the steps that can be taken to improve environmental performance. While focusing on pollutant sources that would be part of a large medical center, the topics covered also apply broadly to many other smaller facilities such as: dentists’ and physicians’ offices, laboratories, home health services, nursing and residential care facilities and veterinary services. The Profile contains chapters on: industry background and trends, pollutant releases, applicable regulations, pollution prevention opportunities, compliance history, voluntary initiatives and resources for additional research.
Enables the user to identify alternative products, review case studies and fact sheets prior to purchasing items such as sterilants, disinfectants, thermometers, plastic products, laboratory chemicals etc.
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Developed by EPA Region 3, this site provides an overview of pollution prevention opportunities for typical office environments. A self-test is available to aid in determining how big your environmental footprint really is.
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Welcome to shinglerecycling.org, an online resource for those interested in recycling asphalt shingles.
CRTs are the video display components of televisions and computer monitors. The glass in CRTs typically contains enough lead to require managing it as hazardous waste under certain circumstances. EPA has provided conditional exclusions from the federal hazardous waste management standards for CRTs and CRT glass destined for recycling.
Material exchanges provide an opportunity to locate other builders, homeowners or businesses that can use waste materials, or that have waste materials that can be incorporated into a new project. Exchanges for construction waste include windows, dimensional lumber, shingles, aggregate, cabinets, flooring, tile, fill material, sinks, etc. There are both regional and national exchanges.
Helps users to identify available recycling services in their state and city for items such as: plastics (i.e., packing peanuts, bags, containers); paper (i.e., books, newspaper, drink boxes, chipboard, cartons); paint products; organic material (i.e., brush, grass clippings, tree trimmings, weeds, soil); metal (i.e., aerosol cans, vehicles, appliances, cans, foil, hangers, propane tanks); glass; batteries (i.e., vehicle, NiCad, rechargeable); construction and demolition materials (i.e., asphalt, flooring, ceiling tiles, carpet padding, concrete, windows, stone, linoleum, porcelain products, brick); and miscellaneous items such as mattresses, furniture, cooking oils/grease, fluorescent bulbs, and medical equipment.
On August 26, 2010 EPA hosted an initial workshop on C & D Material Diversion and Reuse and the EO 13514 requirements for C & D waste. This event provided an overview of C & D issues, available tools and resources, and lessons learned. It also kicked off an effort to establish a fed-wide "Community of Practice" for C & D issues.
The site contains information on the processing of gypsum drywall, recycling gypsum drywall at the construction site, permitting issues, and case studies on the effectiveness of recycling gypsum drywall.
In general, to determine the recycling rate, the amount recycled is divided by the total waste stream. The total waste stream is the sum of waste and recyclables generated for a given period of time. EPA has developed a voluntary, standard methodology for measuring recycling rates.
Lamprecycle.org is a resource for any light bulb ("lamp") user seeking details on recycling spent mercury-containing lamps, but is particularly useful for facilities managers, MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) personnel, commercial or residential property managers, environmental programs managers, lamp distributors, and government/regulatory employees for commercial or office buildings, hospitals, warehouses, military bases, manufacturing plants and retail stores.
Hosted by the American Chemistry Council, this site is designed to lend a better understanding concerning how plastics are made, the different types of plastic and their numerous properties and applications.
The Guidance Manual for Paint Reuse Programs, dated January 2007, was developed by the Paint Product Stewardship Initiative (PPSI). The purpose of this manual is to provide interested stakeholders with the resources necessary to establish a successful paint reuse program and to provide existing reuse programs with best practices for more effective operations. The manual outlines various program models along with benefits and perceived barriers to starting reuse programs; highlights successful programs already in place; describes the factors that must be considered when starting a reuse program; and links the user to more detailed resources for particular programs.
Plastic container recycling is currently being conducted for a wide range of plastic products, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polystyrene.
EPA is partnering with government agencies and businesses to introduce recycling programs in places where large numbers of people gather, such as parks, stadiums, transportation hubs (for example, airports, bus and train stations, and highway rest stops), special events, and shopping centers.
Lehigh’s Planet Approved™ seal certifies that a product meets Lehigh Technologies’ standard for the highest quality of recycled content. The seal of approval was established to help consumers easily identify products that are manufactured using recycled rubber refined through environmentally sound and earth-friendly processes.
EPA's Headquarters maintains a standardized recycling collection program for its 8,500 employees located in more than 10 buildings in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. EPA's manual covers all of the details involved in maintaining a consistent and comprehensive office recycling program, and can serve as a model for other agencies.
This document, dated October 2008, is a set of guidelines for accredited certification programs to assess electronics recyclers' environmental, worker health and safety, and security practices. The voluntary R2 practices include general principles and specific practices for recyclers disassembling or reclaiming used electronics equipment including those electronics that are exported for refurbishment and recycling.
Sponsored by the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), this site addresses cans, cars, appliances, construction, and buying recycled steel. It includes a steel recycling locator.
A nationwide recycling program that collects used Tyvek(r) envelopes - even printed Tyvek(r) envelopes - and recycles them into other useful materials that provide sound alternatives to the use of wood, including park benches, playground equipment, etc is operated by DuPont.
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The Federal Electronics Challenge offers information on reuse, donation, recycling, and disposal of electronic equipment.
A consumer electronics campaign working to increase the number of electronic devices collected and safely recycled in the United States. Launched in January 2003, Plug-In To eCycling is one component of EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC), a national effort to find flexible, yet more protective ways to conserve our valuable resources. Plug-In To eCycling focuses on three major areas:
- Providing the public with information about electronics recycling and increasing opportunities to safely recycle old electronics.
- Facilitating partnerships with communities, electronics manufacturers, and retailers to promote shared responsibility for safe electronics recycling.
- Establishing pilot projects to test innovative approaches to safe electronics recycling.
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This EPA report " Waste Not, Want Not" outlines a food waste reduction hierarchy that shows how productive use can be made of much of the excess food that is currently contributing to leachate and methane formation in landfills.
A voluntary program to promote environmentally responsible disposal of these household appliances, which will significantly reduce emissions as well as save consumers money. As part of the Program, EPA serves as a technical clearinghouse on responsible appliance disposal program development and implementation.
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Computers for Learning (CFL) places computers in our classrooms and prepares our children to contribute and compete in the 21st century. Through CFL, government agencies and the private sector can donate surplus computers and related equipment to schools and nonprofit organizations with the greatest need. This presentation reviews the CFL program and how federal agencies can participate.
This day-long training provides the skills to develop, manage, monitor, document and promote a successful recycling program for construction and demolition debris. Participants receive three year Accreditation in Construction Waste Recycling and training to obtain LEED construction waste management points.
On August 26, 2010 EPA hosted an initial workshop on C & D Material Diversion and Reuse and the EO 13514 requirements for C & D waste. This event provided an overview of C & D issues, available tools and resources, and lessons learned. It also kicked off an effort to establish a fed-wide "Community of Practice" for C & D issues.
Proceedings from the "Hazardous Waste Challenges at Federal Facilities" webinar conducted Tuesday, September 8, 2010, by the U.S. EPA Region II Enforcement & Compliance Assistance and Caribbean Environmental Protection Divisions.
Powerpoint presentation dated January 10, 2008 addressing GSA'a environmental products website, online purchasing tools, and industry partners.
This presentations covers many of the issues associated with donating electronic assets. It addresses liability and explains how to provide guidance to recipients of donated equipment. It also describes tools that the Federal Environmental Challenge (FEC) Steering Committee developed to help partners create donation programs.
Presentation on extending the lifespan of a product, reducing paper use, and reducing energy consumption.
Presented in April 2006, this presentation by Deb Hanlon of the EPA Office of Solid Waste, addresses recycling opportunities for Federal agencies.
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May 14, 2012
May 08, 2012
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Apr 17, 2012
Mar 28, 2012
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Executive Order 13514
(Until 05/24)
