ISRI board to consider proposed specifications

The board of directors of the Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) will consider adding two new specifications to the “ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular” at its upcoming Winter Meeting Feb. 21.

The inbound residential single-stream specification, as proposed, reads in part, “Inbound Residential Single Stream is the material derived from a recycling method whereby residents of a community place allowed materials in a specifically designated receptacle to be left at a drop-off point outside their residence.”  

The full specification can be read here. 

The inbound residential dual-stream specification reads in part, “Inbound residential dual stream is the material derived from a recycling method whereby residents of a community place allowed materials in a specifically designated receptacle to be left at a drop off point outside their residence.”

The full specification can be read here.

ISRI says the specifications would give material recovery facilities (MRFs) and municipalities a common vernacular to negotiate the items that comprise the material stream derived from a single-stream or a dual-stream curbside collection program.

The specifications describe not only the items that should be part of the system but also prohibitives and other materials that could be considered contaminants.

ISRI says its Plastics Division previously approved the specifications in September 2019, while its MRF Committee approved them in July 2019. The full board could choose to adopt, amend or reject the specifications or table them pending further review.

More information about the rules governing the procedures from the addition, amendment or withdrawal of ISRI’s scrap specifications can be found in the “ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular." To submit comments, recommendations, or questions please contact ISRI Chief Economist Joe Pickard at jpickard@isri.org. There will be an open comment period for 30 days following the vote by the board.