EPA to Ease PCB Rules to Encourage Recycling Plastic from Cars

Date: February 19, 2013

Source: News Room

Environmentalists are balking at an industry-backed EPA proposal to clarify polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) rules to encourage the recycling of shredded plastics from automobiles and appliances. Industry says that clarifying the rules by exempting material containing low levels of PCBs lead to the widespread recycling of plastics which would reduce landfill waste, energy and water use, and carbon dioxide emissions. Environmentalists argue the proposal fails to meet health and environmental protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), which has developed a voluntary protocol, has been pushing the concept and is backed by the automotive sector eager to redesign its production processes to incorporate more recycled materials to limit waste. Regulatory uncertainty over plastics in automobile shredder residue (ASR) has prevented the recycling industry from developing new plastic separation facilities, according to ISRI.

A number of environmental groups have submitted comments to EPA including the Sierra Club; Ecology Center; Center for Health, Environment and Justice; and Earthjustice, among others which allege a number of deficiencies. Among these are arguments that the proposal fails to ensure it will meet health and environmental protections under TSCA, fails to satisfy a requirement that adequate data be developed regarding the effect of PCBs on health and the environment pursuant to TSCA, and fails to perform an environmental justice analysis on the impact of implementing the voluntary procedures at scrap metal facilities, the comments say.

To learn more, visit: www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/tsd/pcbs/revisng_manifest_reg.htm.

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