guide to commercial & institutional recycling - infohouse
TRANSCRIPT
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 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