By Abby Blocker, Kristen Hildreth, Billy Johnson, Adam Schaffer and Justin Short Across the globe, 2023 was a whirlwind year for the recycled materials industry with major legislation, regulatory action and international agreements impacting all commodities. From extended producer responsibility and recycled content mandates to bans on per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in packaging and…
Whether by design or accident, three different EPA rules for reporting and recordkeeping under Section 8(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) have reporting periods during some part of 2024. These three TSCA Section 8(a) rules are Asbestos Reporting and Recordkeeping, Chemical Data Reporting (CDR), and PFAS Reporting and Recordkeeping. The Asbestos and PFAS…
By way of a Federal Register notice and follow-up deadline extension, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested public input on potential regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to “ensure the proper management of used industrial containers that held hazardous chemicals or hazardous waste.” This request is not a rulemaking proposal, but does seek input by Nov….
ISRI applauds Judge Steven Wilson for taking a step towards recognition of recycling transactions/arranging for recycling as being distinct from disposal. In California, Judge Wilson released Quemetco Inc. and International Metals Ekco Ltd. from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability for pollution of the former Exide Technologies lead smelter site, located…
The recycled materials industry is supporting the Global Steel Climate Council’s (GSCC) newly released Steel Climate Standard as the global standard to measure and report steel carbon emissions. ISRI stated the standard offers a single protocol that could apply to all steel producers equally and would enable steel customers to know and compare the actual…
On July 31, 2023, ISRI submitted comments in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request for public comment on its Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution. ISRI’s comments applauded policies that prevent plastics pollution and promote a circular economy, as well as provided key recommendations. “Plastics are an extremely diverse, resourceful group…
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing focused on identifying opportunities for expanding the recycling and reuse of electronics within the U.S. to help our country meet its climate goals and ensure a secure and stable supply chain for critical minerals. The committee, chaired by longtime ISRI ally Sen. Tom…
Thank you to all who participated in the Washington, D.C. Fly-in! During the Summer Meeting, over 130 ISRI members and staff went to Capitol Hill to represent the recycled materials industry before Congress. The face-to-face conversations with lawmakers on our priority issues play a critical role in the present and future of our industry. “This…
ISRI’s July course spotlights offer exceptional knowledge on the topic of hazard recognition, as well as environmental social governance (ESG). Join ISRI experts and learn how to recognize hazards associated with recycled materials facilities. Continue on your ESG journey with this month’s ESG Workshop Series focusing on the “social” aspects of ESG strategy. Hazard Recognition:…
Batteries have become pervasive within manufactured products — from small “button” batteries to large format electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Due to their prevalence, batteries are now found in the majority of recycled materials. The recycled materials industry is critical to maintaining a safe and sustainable battery supply chain. As batteries become more prevalent in our…
ISRI provided comments to the recent update to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Green Guides in order to dispel confusion by manufacturers and consumers. The recycled materials industry works daily to recycle products and packaging that keep the supply chain moving. The industry also supports the clarity of claims and manufacturing product design for sustainability….
ISRI’s cooperation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) goes back decades but was formalized in October 2015 with ISRI’s entrance into OSHA’s Alliance program. ISRI and OSHA collaborate on events such as ISRI Safety and Environmental Council (ISEC) meetings, ISRI’s Safety Stand-Down Day, and ISRI’s annual convention to provide compliance assistance for attendees,…