ISRI Releases Updates to the Scrap Specifications Circular with Changes to Nonferrous Specifications and Guidelines for Paper Stock

Washington, DC – The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) recently updated its Scrap Specifications Circular to include the addition of two new and one modified nonferrous metal specifications along with changes to the guidelines for paper stock. The new specifications were approved at the ISRI Board and Governance Meetings in July 2021.

The updated specifications are as follows:

New Nonferrous Specifications:
SAINT

Nickel Bearing Scrap
Any nickel bearing alloy scrap that contains a minimum of 3% recovered nickel. Nickel content to be determined by recovery after buyer’s evaluation minus any non-conforming material and/or contamination. Balance of elements contained to be discussed between buyer and seller. Material is to be free of any foreign material. Final material specifications to be determined between buyer and seller.

REELS
Mixed Nonferrous Wheel Weights
To consist of nonferrous wheel weights that are a minimum of 60% (overall) nonferrous and no more than 40% Iron (Fe). Anticipated nonferrous material may be both lead and zinc weights. To be free of foreign material. Final material specifications to be determined between buyer and seller.

Modification to Nonferrous Specification:
ROPES
Lead Wheel Weights
To consist of lead wheel weights with or without iron clips. Not to include scrap lead, lugs or plates unless specifically agreed to. To be free of foreign material. Final material specifications to be determined between buyer and seller.

Changes to Guidelines for Paper Stock:
Outthrows – To change the words to read “will make the pack undesirable and unsuitable for consumption as the grade specified.”

1. Outthrows
The term “Outthrows” as used throughout this section is defined as “all papers that will make the pack undesirable and unsuitable for consumption as the grade specified.”

Prohibitives – To change the words to read “will make the pack unacceptable and unusable as the grade specified”.

Current wording in the Specs Circular, with recommended changes:

2. Prohibitive Materials
The term “Prohibitive Materials” as used throughout this section is defined as:
a. Any materials which by their presence in a packing of paper stock, in excess of the amount allowed, will make the pack unacceptable and unusable as the grade specified.

b. Any materials that may be damaging to equipment.

Review Date – To add new components to the Paper Stock Section: a) a review date, and b) a section or page showing when and what changes were made.

ISRI’s Scrap Specifications Circular provides industry guidelines for buying and selling a variety of processed scrap commodities, including ferrous, nonferrous, paper, plastics, electronics, rubber, and glass. More information about the rules governing the procedures from the addition, amendment, or withdrawal of ISRI’s scrap specifications, can be found in the Scrap Specifications Circular. To submit comments, recommendations, or questions, please contact Joe Pickard.

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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the "Voice of the Recycling Industry™." ISRI represents 1,300 companies in the U.S. and more than 40 countries that process, broker, and consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics, and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Generating nearly $116 billion annually in U.S. economic activity, the scrap recycling industry provides more than 506,000 Americans with good jobs.