In 2006, the management of materials accounted for 42% of the United States’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on a systems analysis (U.S. EPA; 2009). The systems view of materials management represents U.S. emissions related to the goods and services we create through extraction, harvesting, processing, production, transport, and final disposition. Sites undergoing cleanup provide many opportunities for waste reduction and materials diversion through safe reuse and recycling.

• Sustainable Materials Management in Site Cleanup (PDF)(12 pp, 1 MB, 2013, 542-F-13-001)