Amendment to Executive Order No. 12873

1996-03-28Executive Order 12995
Signed by: William J. Clinton
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Headline: Requires Higher Recycled Content in Printing and Writing Paper

What it does: Agencies must apply the amended recycled-content standards for printing and writing papers, including 20% postconsumer by 1994, 30% by 1998, or a 50% recovered-byproduct alternative.

Real World Impact:
  • Paper manufacturers must meet higher recycled-content requirements for common office papers.
  • Helps paper mills buy more postconsumer recovered materials.
  • Federal Environmental Executive must consult with Council on Environmental Quality.
Topics: recycling policy, government procurement, paper industry, environmental standards

Summary

This order changes recycled-content rules for many kinds of printing and writing paper to help paper mills find and use recovered materials. It sets a minimum of 20 percent postconsumer content for common uncoated papers starting December 31, 1994, rising to 30 percent on December 31, 1998.

As an alternative, paper can meet a 50 percent recovered-materials standard if the material is a non-paper or non-textile byproduct otherwise headed to a landfill, as determined by the State. The Federal Environmental Executive must consult with the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality when carrying out these duties.

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