of the Act has been hindered by the lack of funding. Congress should insure the continuation of these goals and take whatever steps are required to insure that the intent of that Act is funded and carried out. HENRY A WALKER, JR. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer AMFAC, INC. HONOLULU, HAWAII June 28, 1974 The Honorable Jennings Randolph, Chairman Senate Committee on Public Works United States Senate Washington, D. C. 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman: SUBJECT: Senate Bill 3560 To Amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act We wish to state that Amfac, Inc. supports the intention of this amendment to encourage resource recovery from solid waste streams. We are currently involved jointly with the City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. to study the feasibility of recovering energy and recyclable materials from municipal refuse and agricultural solid wastes. We expect the study to be completed by December 1, 1974. If we can provide documentation or testimony which will assist in the passage of this amendment, we would be pleased to do so. Ampacet July 31, 1974 The Honorable Jennings Randolph, Chairman c/o Richard D. Grundy Senate Committee on Public Works Room 4204, Dirksen Senate Office Building Re: S. 3560, Solid Waste Utilization Act of 1974; S. 3549, Energy Recovery and Resource Conservation Act of 1974; S. 1086, the Hazardous Waste Management Act of 1973. Dear Senator Randolph: Ampacet Corporation has been part of the plastics industry for 37 years. We have enjoyed the benefits of its growth and technological advances, as well as the comforts it has provided us in our affluent society. We do realize, however, that along with this growth a serious condition of waste disposal and environmental contamination has been created which jeopardizes the very nature of the surroundings we live in. Recognizing the need for plastic materials and its requirement as a basic staple in our present structure of raw material supply, it has been incumbent upon Ampacet to support a responsible action towards management of those products which find their way into the areas such as litter, trash and environmentally contaminating areas. In regard to this we have licensed a process of photo and bio-degradability of the olefin plastics developed by a corporation located in Boise, Idaho known as Bio-Degradable Plastics, Incorporated. This process is a partial answer to the litter/waste disposal problem. It is one of many which not being the panacea, but is one step towards the solution of our many waste disposal problems. We have taken steps to notify: 1) Local Governments (City and State) 2) Environmental Protection Agency 5) Plastics Users and Fabricators The reception in general has been good, mainly from the local small government areas. The news media has carried the story because of its extremely important national impact. Several of these are enclosed. I must say, however, that because of the industry wide shortage of raw materials, there has been a good deal of reticence relative to its use by manufacturers in the olefin (polyethylene, etc.) processing industry. We strongly support your efforts relative to some form of positive action in waste management and if we could be of service in further aiding your committee with information and further data, please contact me and we will be glad to proceed further. Enclosed is some literature and data relative to the program we are pursuing. MZS: dmr encs. Very truly yours, Mugler Selende, Myles Z. Schneider Vice President - Sales AmpAcet Ampacet Corporation / 250 South Terrace Avenue. Mount Vernon, NY 10550 DEGRADABLE PLASTICS THE WAY OF THE FUTURE For years, pressure from environmentalists has put scientists Now, for the first time, degradable plastic products are being When a revolutionary new product such as this arrives on the market, there are always questions and misconceptions which accompany it. The following information is intended to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: What exactly is bio-degradability? "Bio" is the root of the word, biological, and refers to liv- Aren't all materials bio-degradable? No. Conventional plastics, for example, are chemically-inert, synthetic substances, often fortified with stabilizers to give them strength and durability. The very properties which impart strength to plastics also prevent assimilation by micro-organisms. On the other hand, pulp or paper products, for example, which are made from wood, are easily digested by insects and bacteria. How does "Poly-Grade" affect nature's ability to break down "Poly-Grade" modifies the resins which are the raw materials in |