Shredders and VOC Emissions
Metal shredding operations have the potential to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and depending upon the amount emitted have the potential to trigger regulatory and/or permit requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated state regulations.
VOC Emissions Guidance for Metal Shredders
ReMA’s “VOC Emissions Guidance for Metal Shredders” (December 2023) was prepared by ALL4, LLC. It provides general guidance to operators when calculating VOC emissions from metal shredders, as well as an overview of Clean Air Act (CAA) air permitting requirements associated with VOC emissions and a discussion of VOC stack testing methods. The document is targeted to the shredder community, particularly company and facility resources that are responsible for compliance with federal, state, and local air quality regulations. Site-specific practices and conditions at shredder operations can vary, and differences in operating practices may influence how VOC emissions are calculated for individual facilities. ReMA recommends that shredder operators consult with qualified environmental professionals (e.g. lawyers and/or consultants) that are familiar with state and local VOC air permitting requirements for specific shredder locations to address shredder emissions permitting and testing considerations.
ReMA’s guidance document identifies operational variables that could affect emissions from metal shredding operations, including feed composition. It is the result of a review of available VOC emissions test reports from the U.S. EPA, state regulatory agencies, and shredder operators. A total of 21 VOC testing programs at 15 different shredding facilities were compiled and evaluated, representing the diversity of shredding in the U.S.
The emissions factors contained within the report reflect a current and comprehensive review of available metal shredding VOC emissions data and therefore should be used in lieu of the metal shredder VOC emissions factors included in the 1996 Versar Title V Applicability Workbook. The Versar Report reflected the industry’s understanding at the time of its publication that shredder VOC emissions were negligible. The guidance regarding metal shredder VOC emissions factors provided in the Versar Report is no longer supported by ReMA.
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.