Custom Search
|
|
|
||
 2. Summary of Comments and Agency's Response
No commenters opposed the proposed designation of plastic desktop accessories.
3. Rationale for Designation
EPA believes that plastic desktop accessories satisfy the statutory criteria for selecting
items for designation.
a. Use of materials in solid waste. As discussed above in section II.A, plastics
represent a significant component of the solid waste stream.
b. Technically proven uses. EPA is aware of at least three manufacturers that
produce plastic desktop accessories with postconsumer recovered materials content. In
addition, several office products distributors carry these accessories as part of their product
lines. GSA also makes these products available through its Federal Supply Schedule.
According. to the information available to EPA, there are no national or Federal
specifications that preclude the use of recovered materials in the manufacture of plastic
desktop accessories. In lieu of referencing national or Federal specifications, procuring
agencies usually incorporate recovered materials content requirements into their solicitation
or contract documents when purchasing these products.
c. Impact of government procurement. Government agencies purchase, or use
appropriated Federal funds to purchase, plastic desktop accessories. EPA does not have
specific data on the number of plastic desktop accessories procured by government agencies.
However, EPA believes that these items are procured in sufficient quantities to support the
designation of these items.
4. Designation
In 40 CFR 247.16(b), EPA is designating plastic desktop accessories as items that are
or can be made with recovered materials. This designation includes desk organizers, desk
sorters, desk trays, letter trays, memo pad holders, note pad holders, and pencil holders, and
other, items as de&mined by the procuring agency. This designation does not preclude a
procuring agency from purchasing desktop accessories manufactured from another material,
such as wood. It simply requires that a procuring agency, when purchasing plastic desktop
accessories, purchase these accessories made with recovered materials, EPA encourages
agencies purchasing desktop accessories made with other materials to seek these items
containing recovered materials as well.
82
|
 
|
|
|
||
