Return to DLAM 6050.1 Table of Contents
This chapter provides guidance and procedures for implementing programs to recover materials from the solid waste stream. This chapter also implements EPA Resource Recovery Guidelines in 40 CFR, Parts 243 thru 247. Hazardous material recycling and hazardous waste minimization programs will be initiated in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Management Plan required in chapter 5.
The Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, as amended, requires that Federal facilities comply with all Federal, state, interstate and local requirements concerning the management and disposal of solid wastes. EPA has published resource recovery guidelines which cover such programs as the storage and collection of solid waste, beverage container recovery, and source separation of high-grade paper, used newspapers, and corrugated containers. These EPA guidelines are summarized in this chapter.
In an effort to reduce waste, conserve resources, and prevent pollution, Congress enacted legislation in 1982 to further encourage DoD recycling programs by allowing the return of proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials to the generating DoD installation. Installation commanders may establish programs to segregate and turn-in recyclable materials to the local Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) for sale. Proceeds of sales are then returned to the generating installation, where they may be used for nonappropriated morale or welfare activities which benefit both the military and civilian work force. This chapter provides further guidance regarding what constitutes a qualified recycling program and the preparation of economic analyses.
a. All solid waste generated at a DLA activity shall be considered Government property for purposes of disposal, except in those instances where military exchanges and commissary stores salvage and dispose of their recoverable resources.
b. Waste materials may be turned over to voluntary or community organizations, even when the materials are located at DLA activities if:
(1) The materials have not been Government purchased, or generated, or
(2) The materials, while owned or generated by DoD/DLA, have been shown to be uneconomical for Government-supported collection and disposal.
c. Solid and other waste materials shall be recovered and recycled to reduce environmental pollution and conserve resources.
d. Solid waste materials shall be recovered at the source, whenever possible.
e. Contracts for solid waste material disposal services shall include provisions for recycling, whenever feasible.
f. Resource recovery and recycling programs will not be established when determined not to be cost effective.
Commanders of PLFAs will:
a. Establish and promote resource recovery and recycling programs.
b. Prepare a cost analysis prior to establishing resource recovery and recycling programs.
c. Conduct solid waste management activities in accordance with the procedures of this chapter.
a. Resource Recovery and Recycling
(1) General. Congress enacted significant changes to regulations governing the sale of recyclable materials with the Military Construction Codification Act (P.L.97-214), which became effective 1 October 1982. The new provisions expand the scope of recyclable materials and provide significant economic incentives for military installations to implement recycling programs. The new rules stipulate that all proceeds of sale of recovered materials be returned to installations which have established qualifying recycling programs. All DLA PLFAs will establish recycling programs in accordance with the procedures set forth here. Those activities which are tenants on GSA or DoD space will cooperate with the recycling programs established by the host. When the host has no program, separate programs may be established with the coordination of the host.
(2) Qualifying Programs. Recyclable materials are scrap and waste which would normally be discarded but which may be reused after undergoing some type of physical or chemical processing. DLA activities are encouraged to identify, segregate, and turn in recyclable materials to the local DRMO for sale. The DRMO will return 100 percent of recyclable material sales proceeds to the generating DLA activity if the turn-in document has been properly completed and if the activity has a qualifying recycling program. By definition, a qualifying recycling program is an organized operation that requires concerted effort to divert or recover scrap or waste from waste streams, as well as efforts to identify, segregate, and maintain the integrity of recyclable materials in order to maintain or enhance the marketability of the materials. The types of materials qualifying for reimbursement include programs to segregate and recover scrap metal, glass, wood, cardboard, used oil, and high-grade paper. The types of materials which do not qualify for the program include precious metalbearing scrap and items which may be used again for their intended purpose without any special processing, e.g., vehicles, machine parts, electrical components, items of equipment, and unopened containers of oil or solvent. Excess and surplus mission supplies do not qualify for the program. Excess and surplus mission supplies in deteriorated containers which are recontainerized at a DLA recoupment facility qualify for the program.
(3) Economic Analysis. In order for a program to qualify, the proceeds returned from the sale of recovered materials, plus any disposal costs avoided, must exceed the operating costs. DLA activities must conduct an economic analysis to determine the cost effectiveness of existing or proposed recycling efforts. This should be accomplished by (1) identifying potentially recyclable products going into the waste stream, (2) estimating the generation rates of these products, (3) determining from the DRMO if adequate markets exist and the market value of recovered materials, and (4) conducting an economic analysis. In calculating the costs of operating a program, consideration must be given to both the initial costs, such as the costs of new buildings and equipment, and annual costs, such as annual maintenance and labor costs. Avoided costs include the estimated costs of disposal of the recovered materials, including tipping fees, labor, prorated maintenance, hauling fees, permit fees, and the like. Activities qualify for recycling when the added costs of the recovery program are less than the avoided costs plus revenues.
(4) Use of Proceeds. The DRMO will deposit 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials under a qualifying recycling program to the account specified by the DLA-generating installation. These funds must first be used to reimburse expenses incurred in operating the program. Such costs include acquisition of recycling equipment, the collection and processing of recovered materials, transportation of marketable materials, and administration of the program. If a balance remains after expenses have been paid, up to 50 percent of that balance may be used for pollution abatement, energy conservation, and occupational safety and health projects. The remaining balance, or the entire balance if desired, may then be transferred to the installation's nonappropriated morale and welfare account where it can be used for projects which benefit both civilian and military morale, welfare, or recreation activities. The accumulation of funds in this account is not affected by the end of the fiscal year. Proceeds acquired during one fiscal year may be carried forward and merged with the proceeds of subsequent fiscal years. The proceeds shall, however, be segregated within the account to allow accounting as to the amounts collected and their disposition.
b. EPA Solid Waste Management Guidelines. EPA has published a series of guidelines concerning the management of solid waste. These guidelines will be complied with by DLA activities to the extent that they are applicable. Table 7-1, EPA Regulations Applicable to Solid Waste Handling, Disposal, and Resource Recovery, summarizes key features. Some of these guidelines include sections titled "requirement." Such sections are mandatory for DLA activities. Sections titled "Recommended" should be implemented, when feasible, when they would contribute to the effectiveness of the DLA solid Waste Resource Recovery Program.
TABLE 7.1
EPA Regulations Applicable to Solid Waste Handling, Disposal, and Resource Recovery
| REGULATION (REFERENCE) |
SUBJECT | APPLICABILITY TO DLA FACILITIES |
EXCLUSIONS | ||||||
| 40 CFR 240 | Thermal Processing |
Facilities processing 50 tons/day which are: 1. Federally-owned and operated or 2. Non-Federally-owned and operated but are under the direct management control of a Federal agency |
Hazardous, agricultural and mining wastes |
||||||
| 40 CFR 241 | Land Disposal |
Land disposal of all solid wastes at sites which are: 1. Federally-owned and operated or 2. Non-Federally-owned and operated but are under the direct management control of a Federal agency |
Hazardous, agricultural and mining wastes |
||||||
| 40 CFR 243 | Storage
and Collection |
Federally-generated
residential, commerical, and institutional solid wastes which are collected by: 1. Federally-owned and operated or 2. Non-Federally-operated but are under the direct management control of a Federal agency |
Agricultural, mining, and industrial solid wastes; hazardous wastes; sludges, construction and demolition wastes; and infectious wastes |
||||||
| 40 CFR 244 | Beverage Containers |
Beverage dispensing
operations which dispense sealed containers under pressure or carbonation which are: 1. Federally-owned and operated or 2. Non-Federally-owned and operated but are under the direct management control of a Federal agency |
Cups and other open or non-pressurized containers |
||||||
| 40 CFR 245 | Resource Recovery |
Resource recovery of
residential, commerical, or institutional solid waste which is: 1. Generated, collected, or disposed of by a facility at a rate of 100 tons/day or more 2. Generated, collected, or disposed of by all Federal activities within a SMSA at a rate of 50 tons/day or more for any single facility and at a rate of 100 tons/day or more for all facilities. |
None explicitly
stated. Definition of institutional waste excludes infectious waste. |
||||||
| 40 CFR 246 | Source separation for materials recovery |
Source of separation
of residential, commercial, or institutional solid waste which is composed of: 1. High-grade paper generated by Federal office facilities of over 100 workers 2. Used newspapers generated by a Federal family facilities of more than 500 families 3. Corrugated containers generated by a Federal establishment at a rate of 10 ton/month or more |
Agricultural, mining, and industrial solid wastes; hazardous wastes; sludges, construction and demolition wastes; and infectious wastes |
||||||
(1) Guidelines for the storage and collection of Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Solid Waste (40 CFR, Part 243). These guidelines apply to the collection of solid waste at DLA activities. The guidelines do not apply to industrial solid wastes, hazardous waste, sludges, construction and demolition wastes, and infectious wastes.
(a) Storage. All materials which have been separated for the purpose of recycling shall be stored in such a manner that they do not constitute a fire, health, or safety hazard, or provide food or harbor for vectors, and shall be contained or bundled so as not to result in spillage. Containers shall be of an adequate size and in sufficient numbers to contain all recyclable material that an activity generates in the period of time between collections. Containers shall be maintained in a clean condition so that they do not constitute a nuisance, and so that they retard the harboring, feeding, and breeding of vectors. When serviced, storage containers should be emptied completely of all material.
(b) Safety. Collection systems shall be operated in such a manner as to protect the health and safety of personnel associated with the operation.
(c) Collection Equipment. The following applies during the management of materials which have been separated for the purpose of recycling:
(1) Collection vehicles shall meet all applicable standards established by the Federal Government, including, but not limited to, Motor Carrier Safety Standards (49 CFR, Parts 390-396) and Noise Emission Standards for Motor Carriers Engaged in Interstate Commerce (40 CFR, PART 202). Federally-owned collection vehicles shall be operated in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (49 CFR, Parts 500-580).
(2) Collection vehicles shall be enclosed or adequate provisions shall be made for suitable cover, so that while in transit there can be no spillage.
(3) Compaction, collection, and transportation equipment shall be constructed, operated, and maintained in such a manner as to minimize health and safety hazards to solid waste management personnel and the public. This equipment shall be mainained in good condition and kept clean to prevent the propagation or attraction of vectors and the creation of nuisances.
(4) Collection equipment of the following types shall meet the standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z245.1, Safe Standards for Refuse Collection Equipment) as of the effective date(s) established in ANSI Z245.1: o Rear-loading compaction equipment. o Side-loading compaction equipment. o Front-loading compaction equipment. o Tilt-frame equipment. o Hoist-type equipment. o Satellite vehicles. o Special collection compaction equipment. o Stationary compaction equipment.
(d) Collection Frequency. Materials which have been separated for the purpose of recycling shall be collected with frequency sufficient to inhibit the propagation or attraction of vectors and the creation of nuisances.
(e) Collection Management. Collection shall be conducted in a safe, efficient manner, strictly obeying all applicable traffic and other laws. The collection vehicle operator shall be responsible for immediately cleaning up all spillage caused by the operations for the protection of private and public property from damage resulting from operations, and for creating no undue disturbance of the peace and quiet in residential areas in and through which he/she operates.
(2) Solid Waste Management Guidelines for Beverage Containers (40 CFR, Part 244). DLA activities will collect and recycle beverage containers when determined to be economically advantageous. This includes participation in deposit programs for returnable containers when such programs are available or mandated by state or local authorities. This kind of container recycling activity is considered adequate to achieve the intent and objectives of the EPA guidelines.
(3) Resource Recovery Facilities Guidelines (40 CFR, Part 245). The guidelines are applicable to the recovery of resources from residential, commercial, or institutional solid wastes, when generations exceed 100 tons per day (equivalent to 26,000 tons annually). DLA activities will cooperate with any DoD initiative to implement the guidelines by another DoD activity which meets the EPA criteria.
(4) Source Separation for Materials Recovery Guidelines (40 CFR, Part 246). The guidelines are applicable to the source separation of residential, commercial, and institutional solid wastes. Explicitly excluded are industrial solid wastes; hazardous wastes; sludges; construction and demolition wastes; infectious wastes; and classified waste. The guidelines require Federal activities to establish resource recovery and recycling programs for:
(a) High-grade paper generated by office facilities of over 100 office workers.
(b) Corrugated containers at activities which generate 10 or more tons of waste corrugated containers per month.
DLA activities will consider these source separation guidelines when developing resource recovery and recycling programs. Programs will not be established unless determined to be cost effective in accordance with subparagraph a(3), Economic analysis.
(c) Recovery and recycling of used oil. Used oil constitutes a threat to the environment when disposed of improperly. Therefore, recovery and recycling of used petroleum products will be maximized in order to protect the environment and conserve energy and materials. Handling, storage, and disposal practices must be environmentally safe and acceptable.
(1) When economically feasible, used oils will be collected, segregated, and recycled to ensure maximum economic reuse. The determination as to whether used oils should be reclaimed or re-refined will depend upon local economic factors. When allowed by military used-oil specifications, large installations or complexes should consider closed-loop used oil re-refining commercial refiners to enhance the net value of used oils, in particular used lube oils.
(2) When determined that recycling of used lube oil is not feasible for economic reasons, the lube oil may be burned as a fuel or fuel supplement provided that appropriate analyses are made to determine suitability of burning as well as compliance with air pollution control requirements and hazardous waste regulations. Specifically, analysis should be conducted to assure compliance with EPA Final Rules for the Burning of Waste Oil (40 CFR 266). These prohibit the burning of a waste oil which exhibits any of the following characteristics:
Arseni - 5 ppm
Cadmium - 2 ppm
Chromium - 10 ppm
Lead - 100 ppm
PCB - 50 ppm
Total Halogens - 4000 ppm
Flash Point - 100 Degrees F (minimum)(3) Used oils shall not be used for environmentally unacceptable purposes such as weed control, insect control, dust control, open burning, or dumping into landfills.
(4) Ensure that the sale of used oils is accomplished through the DRMO and that the returned net proceeds from such sales are used for environmental improvement and conservation projects.