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 their use has been limited to heavy-duty, commercial applications. For this reason, EPA is
limiting the recommendations contained in the Recovered Materials Advisory Notice that
accompanies the final CPG to rubber and plastic floor tiles used in heavy-duty, commercial
applications. If other uses, such as for standard office flooring are identified in the future,
EPA will consider revising its recommendations to incorporate these applications.
b. Designation of patio blocks. The Agency did not receive any comments in
opposition to its proposed designation of patio blocks.
2. Rationale for Designation
EPA believes that floor tiles and patio blocks containing recovered rubber or plastic
meet the statutory criteria for selecting items for designation.
a. Use of materials in solid waste. As discussed above in section II.A, both plastic
and tires are sign&ant components of solid waste. While both are being recovered,
additional markets are needed.
b. Technically proven uses.. `Floor tiles made of recovered rubber or plastic have
been used in a variety of applications, including work stations, laboratories, fitness centers,
bathrooms, cafeterias, entrance vestibules, and other heavy-duty traffic areas. These uses are
consistent with the way tiles are used by procuring agencies. Patio blocks made of recovered
materials have been used in the construction of garden walkways and trails. EPA is not
aware of any specifications that would preclude the use of recovered materials in floor tiles
or patio blocks.
c. Impact of government procurement. Floor tiles are used by Federal agencies in a
variety of building applications. Patio blocks are used in the design of walkways, such as for
gardens or trails. Federal agencies that may use patio blocks include the U.S. Park Service,
U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
3. Designation
In 40 CFR 247.12(e), EPA is designating floor tiles and patio blocks containing
rubber or plastic. EPA recommends that procuring agencies evaluate whether the available
floor tile products containing recovered materials are suitable for the specified application,
and, if so, that procuring agencies purchase floor tiles containing recovered materials. This
designation does not preclude a procuring agency from purchasing floor tiles or patio blocks
manufactured using other materials. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when
purchasing floor tiles or patio blocks manufactured from rubber or plastic, purchase such
items made with recovered materials.
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