(Washington, DC) – At the upcoming Fall meeting, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Board of Directors will consider an amendment to ISRI’s scrap specifications that will reclassify “clean, dry double-polycoat food packages” to better reflect how Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) characterize inbound paper products in the recycling stream.
The proposal reflects concerns within the recycling industry that by listing “clean, dry double-polycoat food packages” under Additional Materials for Inbound Curbside Recyclables for MRFs in ISRI’s Scrap Specifications Circular (page 64) it gives the impression that the material is preferred by MRFs. The reality is that, the material is not preferred and may be considered prohibitive by MRFs who need a secondary market for their materials to remain viable economic and environmental partners with the communities they serve. The amendment, if passed, would move “clean, dry double-polycoat food packages” to the Paper (not preferred or may be prohibited) with examples (not inclusive) section of the inbound curbside recyclables guidelines.
This amended specification was previously approved by ISRI’s MRF Council, Plastics Division, and Paper Division at the Summer Board & Committee Meetings. Per ISRI’s bylaws, the full ISRI Board of Directors will vote on it at the Fall Board & Committee Meetings on November 6, 2017. The Board may choose to adopt, amend, or reject the recommendations of the Divisions 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 Scrap Specifications Circular. To submit comments, recommendations, or questions, please contact Joe Pickard. There will be an open comment period for 30 days following the vote by the Board.
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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the "Voice of the Recycling Industry™." ISRI represents more than 1,100 companies in 21 chapters in the U.S. and 35 countries that process, broker, and consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics, and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Generating nearly $117 billion annually in U.S. economic activity, the scrap recycling industry provides nearly half a million Americans with good jobs.