Residential Construction Waste Management Demonstration and ...

RESULTS TO INFORMAL QUESTIONNAIRE:
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS AND CONCERNS REGARDING
A RECYCLED CONTENT/RECYCLABILITY LABELING PROGRAM
Introduction
Under a separate but related project, an informal questionnaire was mailed to approximately
1,740 manufacturers across the United States (see attached double-sided letter). The purpose of
the questionnaire was to determine the level and nature of manufacturer interest in a labeling
program that would certify the recycled content, recyclability, or design for disassembly of their
product(s). In addition, the questionnaire was designed to solicit comments and concerns
regarding the design and scope of a labeling program.
Results--Questions 1, 2, and 3
178 responses were received by fax or return mail for a response rate of approximately
10 percent (approximately 50 questionnaires were "return to sender”s).
77 percent of respondents manufacture products with recycled content; another 5 percent
are currently developing products with recycled content.
Of the respondents having or soon to have products with recycled content, 80 percent
had some level of interest in labeling program participation; 20 percent had no interest
in program participation.
52 percent of all respondents had interest in certification of their product's recyclability.
39 percent of all respondents had interest in certification of their product's design for
disassembly or recycling.
Breakdown by type of manufacturer:
Insulation 12.4% Gypsum board 1.7%
Plastic decking and fencing 12.4% Roofing 1.7%
Home Accessories Miscellaneous 21.3%
(including appliances) 8.5%
Wood panel products 8.0%
Doors and windows 6.8%
Concrete/Masonry 6.8%
Framing - Lumber/steel 6.8%
Flooring - carpet, tile, vinyl,
hardwood, tile 5.6%
Responses came from all 50 states and Canada. Nearly 20 percent of the total came
from California, Illinois, and Ohio. All other responses were evenly and widely