United States Environmental Protection Agency
Solid Waste and Emergency Response 
EPA530-F-97-048 
November 1997 
http://www.epa.gov 


                     MEASURING RECYCLING
               EPA'S VOLUNTARY STANDARD METHOD


BENEFITS OF MEASURING RECYCLING 

     Presenting a recycling measurement tool that: 

     *    Ensures fair comparisons of recycling rates among
          states or municipalities.

     *    Produces useful information for planning and
          decision-making.

     *    Provides accurate, up-to-date numbers for market
          development.

     *    Allows for easy data collection from the private
          sector.

     *    Saves you time and effort.


************************************************************
     Whether you are a state that is already measuring
     recycling or you are just starting out, you will
     be thankful that there's a resource out there to
     help you, and you will be able to learn something
     from it.

     --Kip Eagles, Recycling Survey Coordinator,
     Washington State Department of Ecology 
************************************************************


     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
developed a voluntary, standard methodology for measuring
recycling rates. At present, few state and local governments
define recycling in the same way, use the same approach for
measuring recycling rates, or include the same materials in
their rates. Many find it difficult to obtain complete
information from data sources to calculate reliable rates.
As a result, the benefits of measuring recycling are often
not fully realized. Utilizing this methodology can help you
accurately evaluate the success of your program and ensure
that your fiscal, administrative, and planning decisions are
sound.


THE METHODOLOGY 

     The standard methodology was developed with input from
state and local governments and the private sector. It
addresses the key issues encountered by those who undertake
recycling measurement. It is flexible and completely
voluntary. The methodology consists of six core (required)
elements and a number of recommended (flexible) elements.
For example, state and local governments that decide to use
the methodology must use a standard recycling rate equation,
a standard scope of municipal solid waste (MSW), and a
standard definition of recycling. In addition, EPA
recommends that users adopt optional survey forms for
obtaining information from various data sources, as well as
worksheets for compiling data.


************************************************************
     "There's no question that a standard form would
     help us with our reporting requirements. The
     majority of the municipalities that we deal with
     use different formats and have different reporting
     methods. Standardizing these would definitely make
     our lives easier."

     --Mike Poland, President of Environmental
     Recycling, Incorporated (paper processor) 
************************************************************


************************************************************
     We see the methodology as essential. We have been
     pleased with every aspect--it has worked very well
     for us.

     --Carl Hursh, Chief of Recycling and Markets,
     Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
     Protection 
************************************************************


GUIDANCE

     EPA explains the methodology in detail in its guidance
document, Measuring Recycling: A Guide for State and Local
Governments. In addition to detailed information on the core
and flexible elements, the document provides "real life"
examples, planning checklists, helpful hints and tips, a
recommended timeline for developing a measurement program, a
glossary of more than 100 standard terms, standard
volume-to-weight conversion factors, and other useful tools.



TRANSLATOR 

     For states or localities that already measure
recycling, EPA also provides an abbreviated form of the
methodology, known as "the translator," for those that want
to continue using their existing methods. This approach
allows states and localities to recalculate their rates
according to the EPA method. A simple worksheet included in
the guidance document walks states through these steps.


FOR MORE INFORMATION 

     See our Web site at http://www.epa.gov/recycle.measure


ORDER YOUR FREE COPY TODAY! 

Please send me _____ copies of Measuring Recycling: A Guide
for State and Local Governments (Document Number
EPA530-R-97-011).

Name/Title 

Address 

City/State/Zip 

Phone 




************************************************************
     What do experts say about EPA's recycling
     measurement method:

     "You will be thankful there's a resource out there
     to help you." 

     "No question it helps." 

     "We see the methodology as essential." 

     "We've been pleased with every aspect."
************************************************************