GPI and its Member Companies Submit Comments to Improve EPA's MSW Report
The EPA recently closed its request for comments from industry and other stakeholders to improve their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Report. Recommendations may lead to the creation of new metrics in upcoming reports. Included in the current MSW report are recycling rates for packaging commodities, including glass containers. The glass container industry and others have a vested interest in the national recycling rates reported by the EPA and provided comments highlighting interest in recycling processes at the local and state levels, along with the value of end markets for recyclables.
In response to the U.S. EPA’s request for comments, the Glass Packaging Institute and its member companies responded with specific request for changes to the report. In addition to comments focused on the energy and emissions benefits of using recycled glass, the GPI asked the EPA to consider including the use of industry data for recycled content, distinguishing between closed-loop recycling and diversion, and examining the effectiveness of current recycling collection systems for recovering materials. Here are the details:
Consider the inclusion of industry data to further improve the validity of recovery rates of recyclables reported and to help verify already collected data.
Split the current “recovery” section into two distinct reporting categories. The first one would be designated “closed loop recycling,” and the rate would be based upon the glass actually reused in the manufacture of a new product, such as a container. The second one would be designated “diversion,” and recycled glass included in this section would be that used for lower value one-time uses, such as landfill cover or for use in roadbed aggregate. This would supply the glass industry with more accurate data on what is being beneficially recycled.
In addition, the GPI has asked that the report examine the type of collection system used to gather the recyclables, and have requested that a specific recovery rate be issued for each of the major types of collection systems. Again, this is an attempt to make known which systems are most effective in recovering material for eventual re-use in the manufacture of a new product, versus that being used in one-time, lower value applications.
Make the report annual, rather than being issued every two years.
Click here for a link to the GPI Comments and GPI Member Company comments.
related items
Tree-Inspired Design Wins Student Glass Packaging Competition
Congressman Reed Tours Anchor Glass Plant
Vortex™ Glass Bottle Unveiled in New Zealand
Made with organic fruit from California Wild Poppy Juice is sweetened with organic agave nectar and mixed with spices from around the world. The flavors include: Blood Orange Chili, Peppermint Lemonade, Plum Licorice, Peach Vanilla and Grapefruit Ginger. The bright colored juices are packaged in 10 oz. glass bottles with applied ceramic labeling.
Use our Carbon Calculator to find out how much energy you can save by recycling your glass containers.
Order the Flexo Color Guide - Edition X »
About the institute
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.
