The Resource Conservation Challenge

The Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Was initiated by EPA in September 2002 to find flexible, more protective ways to conserve resources through waste reduction, recycling, and energy recovery. Was initiated by EPA in September 2002 to find flexible, more protective ways to conserve resources through waste reduction, recycling, and energy recovery.

The Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Challenges Americans to make smarter purchasing and disposal decisions. Challenges Americans to make smarter purchasing and disposal decisions. Supports innovative projects to test creative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling and land revitalization. Supports innovative projects to test creative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling and land revitalization. Emphasizes a shift from “end of life” issues to “beginning of life” or “whole life” perspective. (Product design/ stewardship and more sustainable business and consumer behavior.) Emphasizes a shift from “end of life” issues to “beginning of life” or “whole life” perspective. (Product design/ stewardship and more sustainable business and consumer behavior.)

Three Broad Goals of the RCC 1. Conserve energy by using better materials and design; recover energy from things now viewed as waste. 2. Increase materials and resource efficiency through source reduction, re-use, and recycling of hazardous, industrial and municipal solid wastes; increase MSW recycling rate to 35%. 3. Reduce targeted chemicals at all stages in the life cycle, including products, waste (municipal, industrial, and hazardous), and emissions. There are currently at least 39 chemicals targeted for reduction. Others may be added as the targeting process continues.

Basic Elements of the RCC – Cluster Workgroups Nine (9) Cluster Workgroups have been established: Industrial Waste Industrial Waste Paper Paper Electronics Electronics Green Buildings Green Buildings Targeted Priority Chemicals Targeted Priority Chemicals Schools Hospitals Tires Construction and Demolition Debris

Roles within the RCC National: RCC originated from OSWER (Horinko); now joined by OPPTS, and other media offices (Air, Water), plus OPEI and OECA. Being led by OSW. National: RCC originated from OSWER (Horinko); now joined by OPPTS, and other media offices (Air, Water), plus OPEI and OECA. Being led by OSW. Region 8: S&HWP and P3T - co-leads for RCC in Region 8. Region 8: S&HWP and P3T - co-leads for RCC in Region 8. States & Tribes: All Region 8 States are authorized for RCRA and all will likely play some role in the RCC via their RCRA or Pollution Prevention programs. Projects, outreach and training will be offered to Tribes. States & Tribes: All Region 8 States are authorized for RCRA and all will likely play some role in the RCC via their RCRA or Pollution Prevention programs. Projects, outreach and training will be offered to Tribes.

Region 8’s Plan for RCC 1. Establish a Region 8 RCC Steering Committee 2. Identify Region 8 and State leads and links to national cluster groups 3. Promote better communication within Region 8 and among State staff on RCC issues 4. Take an iterative, incremental approach to implementing projects that meet RCC goals

Region 8 RCC Steering Committee Vision: A highly effective and efficient communication and advocacy network advancing RCC goals across programs in cooperation with HQ, States and Tribes. Vision: A highly effective and efficient communication and advocacy network advancing RCC goals across programs in cooperation with HQ, States and Tribes. Mission: The Steering Committee will document, recognize and promote our efforts to fulfill national RCC goals within a well-defined communication structure. This mission involves planning, coordinating and implementing RCC activities in cooperation with Region 8 programs, our stakeholders and our partners. Mission: The Steering Committee will document, recognize and promote our efforts to fulfill national RCC goals within a well-defined communication structure. This mission involves planning, coordinating and implementing RCC activities in cooperation with Region 8 programs, our stakeholders and our partners.

Next Steps for Region 8’s RCC Steering Committee Look for opportunities where work already under way promotes RCC goals. Look for opportunities where work already under way promotes RCC goals. Build a communication infrastructure. Build a communication infrastructure. Emphasize an incremental, iterative approach to RCC projects within Region 8 and with States and Tribes. Emphasize an incremental, iterative approach to RCC projects within Region 8 and with States and Tribes. Seek additional resources to support State and regional efforts aligned with RCC. Seek additional resources to support State and regional efforts aligned with RCC.