Paper Recycling: Definitions and Developments
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Paper Recycling: Definitions and Developments
the Federal Procurement of Paper and Paper Products Containing Recovered Materials
Daniel B. Mulligan
Initial Guidelines and Regulations Paper and paper product disposal are not considered to be a significant threat to human health or the environment because the wastes are generally nonhazardous. While the disposal of paper does not present an urgent threat to health and environment, it is being addressed because many areas of the United States are run-
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ning out of disposal options for all wastes and face serious crises unless the solid waste streams can be reduced or disposed of acceptably. The Resources Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, Section 6002, directs all purchasing agencies that use federal funds to procure items that contain the highest percentages of recovered materials practicable, provided that competition, cost, availability, and technical performance are maintained. Technical performance is an important criterion, and should not be confused with aesthetics.
Paper Recovered
Paper Landfilled
1.000 Tons -
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 P 1993 E
20,368 22,522 24,033 26,179 27,076 29,095 31,214 33,564 36,700
46,000 46,200 47,100 45,900 43,300 41,000 36,600 35,300 33,100
Source Franklin Anoaat Ltd (for tandfiU data) V indicates prtlimmory dt •£'indicate ul,mat,d data
50-
Mil ion Tons
Introduction With the northeastern United States leading the way, tipping fees paid to landfill owners for solid waste disposal have increased as much as 533% since 1980. Fueled by the rapidly diminishing number of available landfills, these rates are expected to go only higher, adding to the public's frustration. Local, state, and federal officials are seeking solutions to mitigate the problem and the public outcry. In an address at the May 14,1990 Wastepaper I Conference, James B. Malloy, president and chief operating officer of Jefferson Smurfit Corporation and Container Corporation of America, stated: "The bottom line is that our industry, not only in the U.S., but also around the world, must continue to strive for sensible waste reduction at the source as well as total integration of waste management options. In cooperation with, not in conflict with, the public sector we can continue to be positive, constructive participants in the search for workable solutions to the municipal solid waste challenge." Recycling is part of the solution. Paper, which contributes up to 40% of solid waste, offers an obvious solution (see Figure 1). The focus on recycling must remain high, encouraging the public to collect and sort waste paper as well as purchase recycled material. What follows is a description of some attempts to inject order into this otherwise complex issue.
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