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Glass - Alternative Markets Dissemination Project (1991-1996) In 1991, the Clean Washington Center conducted a multi-state and industry evaluation of recycled glass use as construction aggregate called, The Glass Feedstock Study. The study was co-sponsored by the States of Arizona, California, Minnesota, New York and Oregon, and by Browning-Ferris Industries and Waste Management of North America. Research was conducted by the Seattle office of Dames & Moore, an international engineering firm. Following the release of the study, the EPA Region 10 Solid Waste Program awarded the Center a grant to provide regional dissemination of the study’s information through presentations and demonstration workshops. Bob Kirby (an industrial engineer with the Center) conducted 16 half-day workshops on alternative uses for recycled glass in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alaska. Relating to this work, the Center conducted further study into specific applications such as septic system use of graded crushed glass (C-33 sand replacement). During these efforts, a number of small scale production and craft shops processes emerged as another low cost local option for recycled glass use and the project supported testing on gradation, strength and thermal shock for fused glass products. Work from the project has contributed to the following impacts: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality conducted an interagency project with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), developing specifications for the use of glass as construction aggregate. Effective November 1996, ODOT began sending out supplemental provisions for all projects allowing glass in road and building projects. Based on the creation of the ODOT specifications, Deschutes County (OR) invested in a glass processing system for local uses. Southern Idaho Solid Waste, a six county solid waste and recycling cooperative, invested in a glass processing system. This eventually lead to cooperation with the Idaho Department of Commerce to develop markets for recyclables in rural communities. The Alaska Department of Transportation has begun negotiating a specification for glass use in road projects, and Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases have invested in glass processing systems. San Juan County (WA) now crushes all recycled glass on the islands and uses it in road works and septic systems. The Washington State Department of Transportation has adopted a specification allowing the use of glass as construction aggregate and this has been a model used nationally. Glass tiles and novelties are now manufactured in the Seattle area and sold at the retail level. Information learned from crafts people, who experimented with tiles, has lead to the development of processes for using glass as an alternative raw material in ceramics manufacturing. Unit: Solid Waste & Toxics Unit Viccy Salazar E-Mail: salazar.viccy@epa.gov (206) 553-1060 Phone Number: (206) 553-1060 Last Updated (mm/dd/yy): 10/23/2007 Recycle http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/OWCM.NSF/hide/glasscwc