An effective bid for recycled plastic products needs three elements: standardized definitions of terms, either a clear statement of the type of plastic or performance requirements, and realistic recycled content.

In Wisconsin, we reference the ASTM definitions of recovered material and postconsumer materials. The ASTM definitions are very similar to the RCRA Section 6002 definitions that are the basis for EPA recycled content recommendations.

Based on the ASTM definitions of terms shown below, the recycled content shall be (percentage to be filled in) recovered materials and (percentage to be filled in) postconsumer recovered materials.

Recovered materials -- materials and by-products that have been recovered or diverted from solid waste, but not including those materials and by-products generated from, and commonly reused within, an original manufacturing process.

Postconsumer materials -- those products generated by a business or consumer that have served their intended end uses, and that have been separated or diverted from solid waste for the purpose of collections, recycling, and disposition.

From ASTM 5033-90 Standards Relating to the Proper Use of Recycled Plastics, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1187

Ideally, a competitive bid would rely on performance requirements if reliable test methods and standards exist. For example, recycled plastic drain tile can meet the same ASTM requirements as the virgin product. But in many situations, recycled plastic is proposed as a substitute for a conventional product made from an entirely different material, and there may not be any appropriate standards. Until reliable test methods and standards are developed for various plastic products, one specification alternative is to at least specify the type of plastic used.

For example, recycled plastic lumber is proposed as a substitute for wood, even though recycled plastic cannot meet existing structural standards for wood. Products made from "commingled plastic" (a variable assortment of different plastic resins) will be the least expensive and the least consistent in performance. Products made from high-density polyethylene will have a far more predictable performance. Products made from composite plastic, which for this example is high density plastic made stronger with wood fiber, comes the closest to having the structural characteristics of wood. Bids for plastic lumber products should identify the type of plastic in order to try to suit the end user and in order to make a fair comparison of bid prices.

Check with potential vendors to determine the recycled content level that is available competitively in your part of the country.