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Thought some of you might be interested in Steven Johnson's written answer to Sen. Jeffords question following last week's confirmation hearing. Thank heavens we've got Sen. Jeffords to keep recycling on EPA's radar screen! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In your written testimony, you note that "recycling and composting of municipal solid waste has increased more than tenfold in the last decade." Notwithstanding this statistic, the recycling rates of many consumer commodities, such as plastic, aluminum and glass, are at historic lows. Businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain the quantity and quality of recycled feedstock needed to meet demand. As Administrator, what steps would you take to encourage greater recycling? Answer: EPA is aware of the recent difficulties encountered in recycling specific commodities and the Agency is committed to improve the rate of recycling. EPA is developing Action Plans under the Resource Conservation Challenge which will target selected waste streams in municipal solid waste for special emphasis based on generation and recovery rates and the potential for increased recycling. We identified these waste streams as the most effective focus to help the nation achieve a 35% national recycling rate. Specifically, EPA will have a national focus on increased recycling for in three sectors of municipal solid waste: paper, containers and packaging, and organics (including food waste and yard trimmings). These are large sectors of the municipal solid waste stream which that will provide opportunities for increased recycling. Through these Action Plans, EPA will be providing a national focus by engaging the Agency's ten Regional Offices in the effort. However, EPA cannot alone increase recycling. It will require collaborative efforts with our primary partners - states, tribes, and local governments - as well as key stakeholders in business and industry and in the environmental community. Businesses, manufacturers, consumers, schools, and all Americans have a role in increasing recycling. EPA's key role is to engage national stakeholders in broad initiatives. In addition to the large-volume waste streams for which EPA will design and implement programs which will stimulate and foster increased recycling, the Agency is also committed to increasing the recycling of electronics materials. Although electronics currently does not represent a very large percentage of the municipal solid waste stream, it is growing quickly and poses some unique waste management issues. Just recently, EPA sponsored a National Meeting with various stakeholders interested in electronics recycling. As a result of the meeting, a number of specific activities and actions have been identified for which further work will be undertaken. **************************************** Patricia Franklin Executive Director PLEASE NOTE NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR CRI Container Recycling Institute 1601 North Kent Street, Suite 803 Arlington, VA 22209-2105 TEL: 703.276.9800 FAX: 703.276.9587 EMAIL: pfranklin@no.address http://www.container-recycling.org http://www.bottlebill.info |
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