[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 82 (Friday, April 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21022-21023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10460]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs Administration
[Notice No. 95-7]
Use of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Material in the Manufacture
of New Plastic Drums: Request for Comments
AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.
ACTION: Request for comments.
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SUMMARY: RSPA is soliciting comments on a request for approval for the
limited use of post-consumer recycled plastic material in the
manufacture of new plastic drums. The Hazardous Materials Regulations
(HMR) prohibit used plastic material, other than production residues or
regrind from the same manufacturing process, in the manufacture of new
plastic drums. Because of the general applicability and future effect
of such an approval, RSPA is seeking comment on the merits of the
request from other interested parties.
DATES: Comments are requested on or before June 30, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Request copies of this request for approval from, and
address comments to, the Dockets Unit (DHM-30), Research and Special
Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington,
D.C. 20590-0001. Comments should identify the notice number and be
submitted, when possible, in five copies. Persons wishing to receive
confirmation of receipt of their comments should include a self-
addressed stamped postcard. The Dockets Unit is located in Room 8421 of
the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C. Public
dockets may be reviewed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday, except for Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Whitney, Office of Hazardous
Materials Exemptions and Approvals, telephone (202) 366-4512, or Susan
Murphy, Office of Hazardous Materials Technology, telephone (202) 366-
4545, Research and Special Programs Administration, Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hazardous Materials Regulations have
historically prohibited used plastic material, other than production
residues or regrind from the same manufacturing process, in the
manufacture of new plastic drums for hazardous materials
transportation. The use of post-consumer recycled plastic in packagings
for hazardous materials raises three concerns. First, the contents of a
plastic packaging permeate into the plastic. Materials that have
permeated into post-consumer recycled plastic could be incompatible
with materials subsequently placed in a packaging made from the post-
consumer recycled material. Second, in comparison with virgin
polyethylene resin, post-consumer recycled plastic may have inferior
strength characteristics. Third, use of post-consumer recycled plastic
for the construction of hazardous materials packagings requires
rigorous quality assurance control of the post-consumer recycled
material. General application of such control measures to plastic
packaging has not been practicable.
Due to environmental concerns, packaging manufacturers are coming
under increased pressures to use recycled materials in manufacturing
new packagings. The HMR, in 49 CFR 178.601(h), state that a packaging
having specifications different from those in Secs. 178.504-178.523 may
be used if approved by the Associate Administrator for Hazardous
Materials Safety. RSPA has received a request for an approval for the
manufacture of plastic drums which do not meet the specifications of
Sec. 178.509, because the drums would be constructed, in part, from
post-consumer recycled plastic. Use of the drums would be limited to
transportation of hazardous waste for disposal.
RSPA is requesting comments in response to the following questions:
1. Should RSPA authorize the limited use of recycled (post-
consumer) plastic in the manufacture of new drums? [[Page 21023]]
2. What controls (e.g., cleaning, testing, etc.) are needed to
ensure the recycled plastic used will consistently result in a quality
drum?
3. Should the source of the recycled plastic be limited to certain
types of previously used packagings or articles?
In addition to these questions, RSPA is requesting comments on any
issues relevant to the approval request. In responding to this notice,
commenters should provide information on the potential safety and cost
impacts of recommended actions.
Issued in Washington, DC on April 24, 1995.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 95-10460 Filed 4-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
