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Region 8

Industrial Materials Recycling

Industrial materials recycling, also referred to as beneficial use, means reusing or recycling the byproduct materials generated from industrial processes.  These materials can be used as substitutions for raw materials in the construction of buildings, transportation, and water infrastructure, as well as used for manufactured soils and soil amendments.

EPA is focusing on promoting and increasing the safe beneficial use of coal combustion products (CCPs), foundry sands, and construction and demolition (C&D) materials, as well as other materials such as scrap tires, slags, and pulp and paper byproducts. Putting these commodities into productive use preserves natural resources, saves energy, conserves landfill space, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a sustainable future.

Region 8 Projects

Asphalt Shingle Recycling and Reuse Initiative in Colorado
The Boulder County Resource Conservation Division, Roofs to Roads Colorado, the asphalt industry, state and city transportation officials, and other stakeholders are working on developing an infrastructure for recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in roadway paving projects to create durable roads, conserve natural resources, reduce solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce costs for paving materials.

Initiative progress and benefits

Training for roofers and contractors

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Sustainability Program

CDOT conducted a study and completed a review of roadway projects where alternative materials, such as asphalt, concrete, wood, metal, and scrap tires, have been successfully used in Colorado and nationwide. Results of the study provide a knowledge base for CDOT and other construction engineers, recommend specification changes to accommodate the reuse of solid waste materials, and promote flexibility in materials reuse for roadway projects.

Final Project Report:  Materials Recycling and Reuse - Finding Opportunities in Colorado Highways, October 2007 (PDF, 182 pp, 9.8 MB)

National and Regional Performance Standard Specifications and Guidelines for Industrial Materials

EPA Region 8 has assembled national and regional performance standard specifications and guidelines for industrial materials in roadway applications.  Standard specifications provide direction, provisions, and requirements pertaining to performance of construction work.  The standard specifications and guidelines can be used as references for the types of industrial materials that are allowed to be reused and recycled in various construction projects or applications in each state. 

U.S. EPA Region 8 Performance Standard Specifications and Guidelines for Industrial Materials, December 2009 (PDF, 102 pp, 465 KB)

Summary of Coal Combustion Product (CCP) Regulations and Specifications for Four EPA Region 8 States

Current regulations, standards, and practices related to the use of fly ash for soil stabilization applications were reviewed in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming by the University of North Dakota's Energy & Environmental Research Center as part of an EPA grant.  The report presents existing department of transportation (DOT) engineering specifications as they pertain to the use of CCPs, and the environmental statutes and regulations for each state as they pertain to utilization, handling, and disposal of CCPs.

Summary of CCP Regulations and Specifications of Four EPA Region 8 States:  Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, March 2011 (PDF, 18 pp, 684K)

EPA Region 8 Industrial Materials Recycling Coordinator:

Kendra Morrison
Solid & Hazardous Waste Program
1595 Wynkoop Street (8P-HW)
Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: (303) 312-6145
Email: morrison.kendra@epa.gov

State Programs

Each Region 8 state evaluates the reuse/recycling of industrial materials on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your respective state solid waste or recycling program for the application process to obtain a determination/approval for your project.

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Solid Waste and Materials Management Unit
Recycle4Colorado
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Planning, Prevention and Assistance Division
Waste Reduction & Recycling Program
North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Division of Waste Management
Guideline 11 Ash Utilization For Soil Stabilization, Filler Materials And Other Engineering Uses
Coal Combustion Waste Regulatory Perspective
Concrete Asphalt Recycling Facilities List
Scrap Metal and Auto Recyclers List
South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources Solid Waste Management
Recycling Program
Concrete and Asphalt Recyclers List
Utah Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Section
Asphalt Disposal and Recycling Guidance
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Permitting & Corrective Action Program
Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Beneficial Use


Region 8 Solid Waste Program Assistance page

About Region 8

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