Definition of Solid Waste
The Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) is extremely important and relevant to the industry. DSW is the basis for RCRA regulations, and RCRA has the potential to regulate inbound material that members purchase for feedstock (e.g., unprocessed scrap), recycling processes, and manufactured products (e.g., specification-grade scrap commodities). Materials outside DSW are unregulated and may move freely.
Regulation Overview
On July 13, 2015, a new set of regulations comes into effect defining what is “legitimate” recycling and therefore not regulated under the hazardous waste provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), all as part of EPA’s new “definition of solid waste” (DSW) rule.
ReMA has created a compliance guidance document for members to assist in documenting that you are a legitimate recycler of scrap metal. In addition, please find further helpful resources from the EPA and other sources.
Sustainability & Environmental Compliance
Explore how recycling contributes to environmental stewardship and how ReMA helps recyclers navigate compliance.
Environmental Compliance
Recycled materials provide a renewable, resilient source of raw materials for manufacturing. Like any manufacturer, recycling facilities are subject to a number of regulations. However, because the industry produces specification-grade commodities, some regulatory requirements are unique to the industry. That’s where ReMA comes in with resources for recyclers to help with environmental compliance.
Sustainability
The recycled materials industry is sustainable, protecting the environment. When manufacturers source raw materials for a product, the recycled materials industry provides a more sustainable alternative. Explore recycling’s role in sustainability.
Commodities
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are a big part of life. We help make items that you use and depend on every day. From the wiring and plumbing in your home, to the coffee maker that gets your day started. From the roads, bridges, and highways you travel on, to the schools our children learn in – maybe even the laptop or smartphone you’re reading this on. They all likely contain recycled material.
Support for Recyclers
Additional Resources
Explore our additional resources for valuable insights, tools, and information to support the recycling industry and its professionals.
SREA/Superfund
The Superfund Recycling Equity Act (SREA) was passed into law on November 29, 1999 following six years of intense lobbying and grassroots activity by ReMA and its members. ReMA offers the SREA Reasonable Care Compliance Program to assist recyclers with the defense of a Superfund liability claim.
Superfund
Safety
Members can use the toolkit to learn about the background, concepts, value, and process of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy and implementation in the recycled materials industry.
Safety
Workforce Management Resources
From early introduction to the work of the recycled materials industry through our partnership with JASON Learning to internships and fellowships for current college students, to highlighting opportunities for entry level and seasoned workers, ReMA’s member workforce development resources have something for everyone.