Recycling Laws and Executive Orders

Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management: Under 13423 and the related implementing instructions, waste prevention and recycling must be incorporated into agency operations, and disposal is viewed as a last resort. Specifically, Section 2(e) of the E.O. requires agencies to increase diversion of solid waste and maintain cost-effective waste prevention and recycling programs in its facilities. The implementing instructions direct agencies to maintain waste prevention and recycling programs in all of their facilities in the most cost-effective manner possible, including, where appropriate, leased facilities and facilities managed by the General Services Administration. Agencies also shall continue to designate a recycling coordinator for each facility or installation that has a recycling program. Agencies should consider cooperative ventures with State and local governments to promote recycling and waste reduction in the community.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 1976: RCRA provides for proper management of hazardous waste at all stages including its generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. It also provides for the management of non-hazardous solid waste. RCRA requires that all federally leased and owned buildings comply with local recycling and solid waste ordinances. For complete information, visit http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/rcra.htm.

Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1992: Federal facilities are required to comply with the Solid Waste Disposal Act and are subject to fines and penalties if they fail to do so. For complete information, visit http://www.epa.gov/swerffrr/documents/federal_facility_compliance_act.htm.