Research Idea Details

Problem Statement:

Note: Under RCRA, the requirement to purchase an EPA-designated product containing recovered materials applies to “procuring agencies” that spend more than $10,000 a year on that item. Procuring agencies include all federal agencies, and any state or local agency or government contractor that uses appropriated federal funds. For example, if a county agency spends more than $10,000 a year on an EPA-designated item, and part of that money is from appropriated federal funds, then the agency must purchase that item made from recovered materials. [http://www.epa.gov/cpg/about.htm]

TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Related Research
FHWA FY07 STEP Project: Environmental Benefits of Using Recycled Materials on Transportation Projects

The use of recycled materials during highway construction can offer measurable environmental, engineering, and economic benefits to States. Conversely, the beneficial reuse of such material can present real challenges. During the past few years, there has been a concentrated effort to elevate the use of recycled products in highway construction/reconstruction, operation, and maintenance activities. One of the hindrances in using recycled materials is a lack of complete understanding of the benefits, particularly the environmental benefits, of using recycled materials. Ongoing policy and program initiatives are indicative of the importance of using recycled materials and the need to fill existing gaps in knowledge. Research is needed to increase understanding of the environmental impacts and benefits of using recycled materials in highway construction. A greater understanding of the full impacts and expected level of performance of specific recycled materials, compared to virgin sources, will improve the decision making process, and aid environmental stewardship initiatives. The beneficial reuse of construction and industrial byproducts is one of the focus areas of the recently formed Green Highways Partnership (GHP). A better understanding of how specific recycled materials perform and interact with the environment will present options to transportation decision makers that will help them to maximize opportunities to conserve natural resources, increase green space, reduce the amount of wastes being sent to landfills, and minimize the negative impacts of highway construction on the environment.