EPA Funds Projects Focusing on Recycling, Waste Management

The Environmental Protection Agency announced nine new projects from around the country to test creative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling and land revitalization that may be replicated across various industries, communities and regions.

The announcement is the third round of innovation pilots totaling $448,294. EPA spent $352,000 on the second round in May 2002; and $525,000 on the first round in July 2002. The goal is to test innovative ideas to make EPA's waste programs more effective, analyze the results, and conduct a public education campaign.

Of the nine projects, three directly involve the recycling industry. A description to the three, as well as the amount they received follow:

Collecting and Recycling Used Computers by the Reverse Distribution System (Amount: $46,541)

In partnership with the Product Stewardship Institute, Staples, Inc., Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection, EPA will test the reverse distribution model for moving used computers from consumers to recyclers rather than to disposal. Reverse distribution will collect the computers through the same infrastructure used to deliver the products to the customer making it convenient for households and businesses.

Potential Recycling of Medium Density Fiberboard (Amount: $27,225)

In partnership with the University of Tennessee, EPA will determine if the formaldehyde portion of the urea formaldehyde (UF) resin from ground- up fiberboard poses a risk to human health or can be safely recycled.

Financial Benchmarks for Recycling Businesses (Amount: $65,000)

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, North Carolina Department of Environmental Protection, Minnesota Bankers Association and AMPros Corporation, EPA will analyze financial data from recycling companies to provide industry- specific benchmark information. The benchmark will be a financial risk management tool to make informed decisions about recycling investments.