Standards and Specifications for RPL
The development of product specifications and standard testing methods is extremely important for the use of plastic lumber for structural applications–an expanding market. Standardization allows the RPL to be graded into several levels of performance so that it can be used with confidence by the U.S. construction industry. Listed below are the most relevant advances in the development of product and standard testing specifications:
Product Specifications
Product specifications for RPL are preferred over method or material specifications because product specifications are based on performance characteristics. Method and material specifications sometimes limit the use of recycled-content products by disqualifying recycled feedstocks or recycling-based technologies and processes.
- ASTM International
- Subcommittee D20.20 on Plastic Lumber coordinates the development of industry standards, which includes test methods, specifications, recommended practices, and definitions for plastic lumber.
- Subcommittee D07.02 on Lumber and Engineered Wood Products, includes some specifications relating to wood-plastic composites, including deck boards.
Method and Material Specifications
- California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 2015 Standard Specifications
- Section 57-3, PLASTIC LUMBER STRUCTURES, pp 774-8
Procurement
- The US EPA recommends purchasing plastic landscape lumber that meets certain recycled-content levels and test methods that assess its performance
For more information contact: Business Assistance, bzassist@calrecycle.ca.gov.