Recyclable Materials Science and Technology Development Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to the Congress concerning: (1) means to increase the use of degradable materials in manufactured goods; (2) technologies for recycling nondurable consumer products; and (3) ways to expand the marketing of recycled products.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of recycling nondegradable medical supplies and of substituting degradable for nondegradable materials in medical equipment and supplies.
Directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to the Congress on the national defense and security implications of requiring the use of degradable materials in defense items.
Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate a pilot project to develop and demonstrate viable technology for composting municipal waste and sewage sludge. Requires the Secretary to report project results to the Congress.
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information to make grants to support research into innovative recycling technology. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1990.
Prohibits, effective five years after this Act's enactment, the production, manufacture, distribution, sale, or delivery of nonrecycled consumer goods, fast food in nondegradable containers, and packaging for specified purposes that contains any material that is not naturally degradable. Establishes both civil and criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Commerce jointly to issue regulations to govern the designation of goods and materials for noncompliance purposes. Directs the Secretary to publish and periodically update lists of items and materials affected by the prohibition on activities involving nonrecyclable items.
HR 500 SC 101st CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 500 To encourage scientific research and development of technologies relating to recycling, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 4, 1989 Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER (for himself, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. BOEHLERT, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. BROWN of California, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. DIXON, Mr. DONNELLY, Mr. DOWNEY, Mr. FAZIO, Mr. FISH, Mr. FRANK, Mr. GALLO, Mr. GEJDENSON, Mr. GILMAN, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. HAYES of Illinois, Mr. JONTZ, Mr. MRAZEK, Mr. MORRISON of Connecticut, Mr. NEAL of North Carolina, Mr. OWENS of New York, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. ROYBAL, Mr. SABO, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. SCHEUER, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. VENTO, and Mr. WEISS) introduced the following bill; which was referred jointly to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, Agriculture, Armed Services, and Energy and Commerce April 27, 1989 Additional sponsors: Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. SMITH of Florida, Mr. DOUGLAS, Mr. ATKINS, Mr. STUDDS, Mr. LANCASTER, Mr. MANTON, Mr. HUGHES, Mr. POSHARD, Mr. PICKLE, Mr. SMITH of Vermont, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. CLEMENT, Ms. SCHNEIDER, Mr. HENRY, Mrs. MORELLA, Mr. FAUNTROY, Mr. RAVENEL, Mr. DE LUGO, Mrs. SAIKI, Mr. FAWELL, Mr. FUSTER, Mrs. BENTLEY, Mr. SOLARZ, Mr. HORTON, Mr. HAWKINS, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. BRUCE, Mr. DWYER of New Jersey, Mr. FOGLIETTA, Ms. OAKAR, Mr. COOPER, Mr. TORRES, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. DELLUMS, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. MACHTLEY, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. CLINGER, Mr. AUCOIN, Mr. MOAKLEY, Mr. EVANS, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. DYMALLY, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. SIKORSKI, Mr. GORDON, Mr. HYDE, Mr. MINETA, Mrs. LOWEY of New York, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. ROSE, Ms. SLAUGHTER of New York, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. PEPPER, Mr. FORD of Tennessee, Mr. HEFNER, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. GIBBONS, Mr. RIDGE, Mr. FORD of Michigan, Mr. EDWARDS of California, Mr. GEPHARDT, Mr. GARCIA, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mrs. COLLINS, Mr. RANGEL, and Mr. Skaggs A BILL To encourage scientific research and development of technologies relating to recycling, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Recyclable Materials Science and Technology Development Act of 1989'. SEC. 2. STUDY AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH REGARDING DEGRADABLE MATERIALS AND RECYCLING. (a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall conduct a study, including scientific research, regarding-- (1) available and potential degradable materials and possible methods for encouraging the increased use of such materials in manufactured goods; (2) potential incentives for facilitating the development of new markets for recycled nondegradable materials, with an emphasis on nondegradable materials used in packaging; (3) methods which may be used-- (A) to ensure development of technologies for recycling nondurable consumer products; and (B) to ensure development of consumer products that are degradable in the marine environment; and (4) the feasibility of requiring warning labels on products that are not subject to recycling to inform consumers about the shortage of landfill capacity. (b) REPORTS- Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit a report to the Congress-- (1) which describes the findings and conclusions of the research and studies required by this section; and (2) which makes recommendations to Congress regarding-- (A) how to ensure the development of technologies for recycling nondurable consumer products; (B) how to expand the marketing of recycled products; and (C) how to ensure the development of consumer products that are degradable in the marine environment. SEC. 3. STUDY AND RESEARCH REGARDING USE OF DEGRADABLE MATERIALS IN, AND FEASIBILITY OF RECYCLING OF, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. (a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study, including scientific research, regarding-- (1) degradable materials which could be used in place of nondegradable materials currently used in medical equipment and supplies; and (2) the feasibility of recycling nondegradable medical supplies. (b) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall transmit a report to the Congress which describes the findings and conclusions of the study required by this section. SEC. 4. STUDY OF NATIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF USE OF DEGRADABLE MATERIALS AND COMPLIANCE WITH ACT. (a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study, including scientific research, regarding-- (1) the implications for national defense of requiring use of degradable materials in items procured by the Department of Defense; and (2) the national security implications of requiring the Department of Defense to comply with section 7. (b) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit a report to the Congress which describes the findings and conclusions of the study required by this section. SEC. 5. MUNICIPAL WASTE AND SEWAGE SLUDGE COMPOSTING PILOT PROJECT. (a) IN GENERAL- Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall initiate a pilot project to develop and demonstrate viable technology for the composting of municipal waste and sewage sludge. (b) PROJECT REQUIREMENTS- The pilot project carried out under this section shall include-- (1) composting of municipal garbage and other solid waste in combination with sewage sludge; (2) separation and recovery of nondegradable materials from the resulting compost mixture; (3) utilization of the finished compost for agricultural purposes; and (4) utilization of the recovered nondegradable materials for construction materials and other purposes. (c) REPORT- The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit a report to the Congress not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act which describes the results of a project carried out under this section. SEC. 6. OFFICE OF RECYCLING RESEARCH AND INFORMATION. (a) ESTABLISHMENT- Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information, who shall be paid at a rate determined by the Secretary which is less than the rate of basic pay payable for positions under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. (b) FUNCTION- The Director of Recycling Research and Information appointed pursuant to this section-- (1) shall make grants under subsection (c) to public and private entities to support research and development by such entities relating to innovative recycling technology; and (2) shall collect, catalog, and disseminate information to interested persons regarding waste disposal and recycling technology. (c) GRANTS- The Director of Recycling Research and Information shall make grants for studies and scientific research relating to recycling of nondegradable materials, including grants for-- (1) a study to determine the nondegradable products and materials which-- (A) are not currently recycled in significant amounts; and (B) which are found in the largest amounts by volume and by weight in municipal solid waste streams; (2) a study of which post-consumer nondegradable products and materials are best suited for recycling, and of ways to encourage industry to include recyclability as a basic design goal for the long-term resolution of the issue of recycling of nondegradable materials; (3) scientific research into the development of recycling methods and systems for nondegradable materials, including collection, sorting, reclamation, and end-use manufacturing, which will improve energy conservation through the preservation of the chemical energy content of recycled nondegradable waste products and materials; and (4) an analysis of which nondegradable waste products and materials present potential environmental risks through current disposal pathways and of the role of recycling in reducing such risks, including an analysis of issues relating to biodegradable materials and the impact of nondegradable materials on marine life. (d) OUTREACH PROGRAM- (1) IN GENERAL- The Director of Recycling Research and Information, in consultation with the Administrator, the Secretary, and the Secretary of Education, shall conduct a 5-year public outreach program to provide information to secondary school students, State and local governments, and the general public regarding-- (A) the harmful effects on the environment of the improper disposal of wastes; (B) the importance of the proper disposal of municipal wastes; (C) the benefits of recycling; and (D) methods to encourage voluntary recycling activities. (2) FORMAT- In conducting the outreach program described in paragraph (1), the Director of Recycling Research and Information may-- (A) organize and conduct workshops with interested groups; (B) develop educational materials and provide them to secondary school students; (C) record public service announcements for radio and television broadcast and develop print advertisements for newspapers, magazines, and other publications; (D) distribute leaflets, posters, and other materials; (E) encourage employers and labor organizations to include appropriate educational materials in their in-house publications; and (F) provide technical assistance and other information to schools, governments, and community groups wishing to conduct educational programs on waste disposal and recycling. (e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of Recycling Research and Information appointed pursuant to this section, for making grants and carrying out other activities authorized by this section, not more than $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1990. SEC. 7. PROHIBITION. (a) IN GENERAL- No person-- (1) shall produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, or deliver in a State any nonrecycled consumer good listed by the Secretary under section 8(b); (2) shall distribute, sell, or deliver any food or beverage intended for immediate consumption, in any container composed of a material which is not photodegradable or biodegradable; or (3) shall distribute, sell, deliver, or otherwise provide any regulated item which is made in whole or in part of a material which is not a naturally degradable material. (b) PENALTY- (1) CIVIL PENALTY- Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty assessed by the Administrator of not more than $5,000 for each offense. (2) CRIMINAL PENALTY- Any person who knowingly violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more than one year, or both. (c) DEFINITIONS- In this section-- (1) REGULATED ITEM- The term `regulated item' means any device which-- (A) is made, used, or designed for the purpose of packaging, transporting, or carrying multipackaged cans, bottles, or other containers, and which is of a size, shape, design, or type capable, when discarded, of entangling fish or wildlife; or (B) is a form of secondary packaging (including a shopping bag) which is used for temporary containment and conveyance of other items distributed, sold, or delivered. (2) NATURALLY DEGRADABLE MATERIAL- The term `naturally degradable material' means a material which, when discarded, will be reduced to environmentally benign subunits under the action of normal environmental forces (including biological decomposition, photodegradation, and hydrolysis). (d) EFFECTIVE DATE- Subsections (a)(2) and (3) shall be effective on the date which is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 8. DESIGNATION OF NONRECYCLED CONSUMER PRODUCTS, REGULATED ITEMS, AND NATURALLY DEGRADABLE MATERIALS. (a) CONSUMER PRODUCTS DESIGNATION REGULATIONS- (1) ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS- Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Secretary shall jointly issue regulations which establish criteria and procedures under which the Secretary-- (A) shall designate items to be nonrecycled consumer goods for purposes of section 7; (B) shall designate items to be regulated items for purposes of section 7; and (C) shall designate materials to be naturally degradable materials for purposes of section 7. (2) NONRECYCLED CONSUMER GOODS CRITERIA- Criteria established in regulations issued under this subsection-- (A) shall require the designation of an item as a nonrecycled consumer good if-- (i) the item is manufactured or otherwise produced for commercial sale; (ii)(I) the item has a limited useful life after final sale; or (II) the item is used principally for the packaging or other temporary containment prior to final sale of another commercially produced item; and (iii) less than 75 percent of all such items produced, manufactured, distributed, sold, or delivered in the United States each year are commonly remanufactured and resold or otherwise recycled; and (B) shall provide for designation of a material as a naturally degradable material only if it is reduced to environmentally benign subunits within the shortest period of time that is consistent with the intended use of items which contain the material. (b) LISTING OF ITEMS AND MATERIALS- (1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of the issuance of regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary shall issue and thereafter periodically update-- (A) a list of items which are designated by the Secretary under such regulations to be nonrecycled consumer goods; (B) a list of items which are designated by the Secretary under such regulations to be regulated items; and (C) a list of materials which are designated by the Secretary under such regulations to be naturally degradable materials. (2) EXCLUSION FROM LIST- The Secretary shall exclude an item from a list issued and updated under paragraph (1)(A)-- (A) with respect to production, manufacture, distribution, sale, and delivery of such item-- (i) for use as a medical supply; and (ii) for use as packaging or other temporary containment prior to final sale of medicines and medical supplies; (B) with respect to production, manufacture, distribution, sale, and delivery of such item for use for national defense purposes if the President, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator, certifies to the Secretary that inclusion of the item in the list would unreasonably harm national security; and (C) if the Secretary determines-- (i) that it is not feasible to require recycling of the item; and (ii) that it is not feasible to manufacture or otherwise produce the item or material in a biodegradable form. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act-- (1) ADMINISTRATOR- The term `Administrator' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Commerce. SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act shall be effective on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) PROHIBITIONS- Section 7 shall be effective on the date which is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
Executive Comment Requested from DOD.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture Research, and Environment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Marketing, Consumer Relations, and Nutrition.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Research, and Foreign Agriculture.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line
Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Development.
Favorable Excutive Comment Received from DOD.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.