---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 6982"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "6982"
heading: "Special studies; plans for research, development, and demonstrations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/6982"
units:
  - "Chapter 82 — Solid Waste Disposal"
  - "Subchapter VIII — Research, Development, Demonstration, and Information"
---

# §6982. Special studies; plans for research, development, and demonstrations

- (a) **Glass and plastic—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake a study and publish a report on [resource recovery](/usc/42/6903.md?p=22) from glass and plastic waste, including a scientific, technological, and economic investigation of potential solutions to implement such recovery.
- (b) **Composition of waste stream—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake a systematic study of the composition of the [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) stream and of anticipated future changes in the composition of such stream and shall publish a report containing the results of such study and quantitatively evaluating the potential utility of such components.
- (c) **Priorities study—** For purposes of determining priorities for research on recovery of materials and energy from [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) and developing materials and energy recovery research, development, and [demonstration](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A) strategies, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall review, and make a study of, the various existing and promising techniques of energy recovery from [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) (including, but not limited to, waterwall furnace incinerators, dry shredded fuel systems, pyrolysis, densified refuse-derived fuel systems, anerobic digestion, and fuel and feedstock preparation systems). In carrying out such study the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall investigate with respect to each such technique—
  - (1) the degree of public need for the potential results of such research, development, or [demonstration](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A),
  - (2) the potential for research, development, and [demonstration](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A) without Federal action, including the degree of restraint on such potential posed by the risks involved, and
  - (3) the magnitude of effort and period of time necessary to develop the technology to the point where Federal assistance can be ended.
- (d) **Small-scale and low technology study—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake a comprehensive study and analysis of, and publish a report on, systems of small-scale and low technology [solid waste management](/usc/42/6903.md?p=28), including household [resource recovery](/usc/42/6903.md?p=22) and [resource recovery systems](/usc/42/6903.md?p=23) which have special application to multiple dwelling units and high density housing and office complexes. Such study and analysis shall include an investigation of the degree to which such systems could contribute to energy conservation.
- (e) **Front-end source separation—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake research and studies concerning the compatibility of front-end source separation systems with high technology [resource recovery systems](/usc/42/6903.md?p=23) and shall publish a report containing the results of such research and studies.
- (f) **Mining waste—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1), in consultation with the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of the Interior, shall conduct a detailed and comprehensive study on the adverse effects of [solid wastes](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) from active and abandoned surface and underground mines on the environment, including, but not limited to, the effects of such wastes on humans, water, air, health, welfare, and natural resources, and on the adequacy of means and measures currently employed by the mining industry, Government [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1), and others to dispose of and utilize such [solid wastes](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) and to prevent or substantially mitigate such adverse effects. Such study shall include an analysis of—
  - (1) the sources and volume of discarded material generated per year from mining;
  - (2) present [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19);
  - (3) potential dangers to human health and the environment from surface runoff of leachate and air pollution by dust;
  - (4) alternatives to current [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) methods;
  - (5) the cost of those alternatives in terms of the impact on mine product costs; and
  - (6) potential for use of discarded material as a secondary source of the mine product.

  In furtherance of this study, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall, as he deems appropriate, review studies and other actions of other [Federal agencies](/usc/42/6903.md?p=4) concerning such wastes with a view toward avoiding duplication of effort and the need to expedite such study. Not later than thirty-six months after October 21, 1980, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall publish a report of such study and shall include appropriate findings and recommendations for Federal and non-Federal actions concerning such effects. Such report shall be submitted to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives.

- (g) **Sludge—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake a comprehensive study and publish a report on [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A). Such study shall include an analysis of—
  - (1) what types of [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) (including but not limited to sewage and pollution [treatment](/usc/42/6903.md?p=34) residues and other residues from industrial operations such as extraction of oil from shale, liquefaction and gasification of coal and coal slurry pipeline operations) shall be classified as [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A);
  - (2) the effects of air and water pollution legislation on the creation of large volumes of [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A);
  - (3) the amounts of [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A) originating in each [State](/usc/42/6903.md?p=31) and in each industry producing [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A);
  - (4) methods of [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) of such [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A), including the cost, efficiency, and effectiveness of such methods;
  - (5) alternative methods for the use of [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A), including agricultural applications of [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A) and energy recovery from [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A); and
  - (6) methods to reclaim areas which have been used for the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) of [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A) or which have been damaged by [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A).
- (h) **Tires—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake a study and publish a report respecting discarded motor vehicle tires which shall include an analysis of the problems involved in the collection, recovery of resources including energy, and use of such tires.
- (i) **Resource recovery facilities—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall conduct research and report on the economics of, and impediments, to the effective functioning of [resource recovery facilities](/usc/42/6903.md?p=24).
- (j) **Resource Conservation Committee—**
  - (1) The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall serve as Chairman of a Committee composed of himself, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Commerce, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Labor, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Treasury, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of the Interior, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of Energy, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, and a representative of the Office of Management and Budget, which shall conduct a full and complete investigation and study of all aspects of the economic, social, and environmental consequences of [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21) with respect to—
    - (A) the appropriateness of recommended incentives and disincentives to foster [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21);
    - (B) the effect of existing public policies (including subsidies and economic incentives and disincentives, percentage depletion allowances, capital gains [treatment](/usc/42/6903.md?p=34) and other tax incentives and disincentives) upon [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21), and the likely effect of the modification or elimination of such incentives and disincentives upon [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21);
    - (C) the appropriateness and feasibility of restricting the manufacture or use of categories of consumer products as a [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21) strategy;
    - (D) the appropriateness and feasibility of employing as a [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21) strategy the imposition of [solid waste management](/usc/42/6903.md?p=28) charges on consumer products, which charges would reflect the costs of [solid waste management](/usc/42/6903.md?p=28) services, litter pickup, the value of [recoverable](/usc/42/6903.md?p=18) components of such product, final [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3), and any social value associated with the nonrecycling or uncontrolled [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) of such product; and
    - (E) the need for further research, development, and [demonstration](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A) in the area of [resource conservation](/usc/42/6903.md?p=21).
  - (2) The study required in [paragraph (1)(D)](#j-1-D) may include pilot scale [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2), and shall consider and evaluate alternative strategies with respect to—
    - (A) the product categories on which such charges would be imposed;
    - (B) the appropriate [state](/usc/42/6903.md?p=31) in the production of such consumer product at which to levy such charge;
    - (C) appropriate criteria for establishing such charges for each consumer product category;
    - (D) methods for the adjustment of such charges to reflect actions such as recycling which would reduce the overall quantities of [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) requiring [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3); and
    - (E) procedures for amending, modifying, or revising such charges to reflect changing conditions.
  - (3) The design for the study required in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include timetables for the completion of the study. A preliminary report putting forth the study design shall be sent to the President and the Congress within six months following October 21, 1976, and followup reports shall be sent six months thereafter. Each recommendation resulting from the study shall include at least two alternatives to the proposed recommendation.
  - (4) The results of such investigation and study, including recommendations, shall be reported to the President and the Congress not later than two years after October 21, 1976.
  - (5) There are authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $2,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
- (k) **Airport landfills—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall undertake a comprehensive study and analysis of and publish a report on systems to alleviate the hazards to aviation from birds congregating and feeding on landfills in the vicinity of airports.
- (l) **Completion of research and studies—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall complete the research and studies, and submit the reports, required under subsections [(b)](#b), [(c)](#c), [(d)](#d), [(e)](#e), [(f)](#f), [(g)](#g), and [(k)](#k) not later than October 1, 1978. The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall complete the research and studies, and submit the reports, required under subsections [(a)](#a), [(h)](#h), and [(i)](#i) not later than October 1, 1979. Upon completion, each study specified in subsections [(a)](#a) through [(k)](#k) of this section, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall prepare a plan for research, development, and [demonstration](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A) respecting the findings of the study and shall submit any legislative recommendations resulting from such study to appropriate committees of Congress.
- (m) **Drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas or geo­thermal energy—**
  - (1) The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall conduct a detailed and comprehensive study and submit a report on the adverse effects, if any, of drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas or geothermal energy on human health and the environment, including, but not limited to, the effects of such wastes on humans, water, air, health, welfare, and natural resources and on the adequacy of means and measures currently employed by the oil and gas and geothermal drilling and production industry, Government [agencies](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1), and others to dispose of and utilize such wastes and to prevent or substantially mitigate such adverse effects. Such study shall include an analysis of—
    - (A) the sources and volume of discarded material generated per year from such wastes;
    - (B) present [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19);
    - (C) potential danger to human health and the environment from the surface runoff or leachate;
    - (D) documented cases which prove or have caused danger to human health and the environment from surface runoff or leachate;
    - (E) alternatives to current [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) methods;
    - (F) the cost of such alternatives; and
    - (G) the impact of those alternatives on the exploration for, and development and production of, crude oil and natural gas or geothermal energy.

    In furtherance of this study, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall, as he deems appropriate, review studies and other actions of other [Federal agencies](/usc/42/6903.md?p=4) concerning such wastes with a view toward avoiding duplication of effort and the need to expedite such study. The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall publish a report of such study and shall include appropriate findings and recommendations for Federal and non-Federal actions concerning such effects.

  - (2) The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall complete the research and study and submit the report required under [paragraph (1)](#m-1) not later than twenty-four months from October 21, 1980. Upon completion of the study, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall prepare a summary of the findings of the study, a plan for research, development, and [demonstration](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A) respecting the findings of the study, and shall submit the findings and the study, along with any recommendations resulting from such study, to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives.
  - (3) There are authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $1,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this subsection.
- (n) **Materials generated from the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall conduct a detailed and comprehensive study and submit a report on the adverse effects on human health and the environment, if any, of the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) and utilization of fly ash waste, bottom ash waste, slag waste, flue gas emission control waste, and other byproduct materials generated primarily from the combustion of coal or other fossil fuels. Such study shall include an analysis of—
  - (1) the source and volumes of such material generated per year;
  - (2) present [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) and utilization [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19);
  - (3) potential danger, if any, to human health and the environment from the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) and reuse of such materials;
  - (4) documented cases in which danger to human health or the environment from surface runoff or leachate has been proved;
  - (5) alternatives to current [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) methods;
  - (6) the costs of such alternatives;
  - (7) the impact of those alternatives on the use of coal and other natural resources; and
  - (8) the current and potential utilization of such materials.

  In furtherance of this study, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall, as he deems appropriate, review studies and other actions of other Federal and [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12) concerning such material and invite participation by other concerned parties, including industry and other Federal and [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12), with a view toward avoiding duplication of effort. The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall publish a report on such study, which shall include appropriate findings, not later than twenty-four months after October 21, 1980. Such study and findings shall be submitted to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives.

- (o) **Cement kiln dust waste—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall conduct a detailed and comprehensive study of the adverse effects on human health and the environment, if any, of the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) of cement kiln dust waste. Such study shall include an analysis of—
  - (1) the source and volumes of such materials generated per year;
  - (2) present [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19);
  - (3) potential danger, if any, to human health and the environment from the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) of such materials;
  - (4) documented cases in which danger to human health or the environment has been proved;
  - (5) alternatives to current [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) methods;
  - (6) the costs of such alternatives;
  - (7) the impact of those alternatives on the use of natural resources; and
  - (8) the current and potential utilization of such materials.

  In furtherance of this study, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall, as he deems appropriate, review studies and other actions of other Federal and [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12) concerning such waste or materials and invite participation by other concerned parties, including industry and other Federal and [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12), with a view toward avoiding duplication of effort. The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall publish a report of such study, which shall include appropriate findings, not later than thirty-six months after October 21, 1980. Such report shall be submitted to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives.

- (p) **Materials generated from extraction, beneficiation, and processing of ores and minerals, including phosphate rock and overburden from uranium mining—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall conduct a detailed and comprehensive study on the adverse effects on human health and the environment, if any, of the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) and utilization of [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) from the extraction, beneficiation, and processing of ores and minerals, including phosphate rock and overburden from uranium mining. Such study shall be conducted in conjunction with the study of mining wastes required by [subsection (f)](#f) of this section and shall include an analysis of—
  - (1) the source and volumes of such materials generated per year;
  - (2) present [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) and utilization [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19);
  - (3) potential danger, if any, to human health and the environment from the [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) and reuse of such materials;
  - (4) documented cases in which danger to human health or the environment has been proved;
  - (5) alternatives to current [disposal](/usc/42/6903.md?p=3) methods;
  - (6) the costs of such alternatives;
  - (7) the impact of those alternatives on the use of phosphate rock and uranium ore, and other natural resources; and
  - (8) the current and potential utilization of such materials.

  In furtherance of this study, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall, as he deems appropriate, review studies and other actions of other Federal and [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12) concerning such waste or materials and invite participation by other concerned parties, including industry and other Federal and [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12), with a view toward avoiding duplication of effort. The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall publish a report of such study, which shall include appropriate findings, in conjunction with the publication of the report of the study of mining wastes required to be conducted under [subsection (f)](#f) of this section. Such report and findings shall be submitted to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the United States House of Representatives.

- (q) **Authorization of appropriations—** There are authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $8,000,000 for the fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to carry out this section other than [subsection (j)](#j).
- (r) **Minimization of hazardous waste—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall compile, and not later than October 1, 1986, submit to the Congress, a report on the feasibility and desirability of establishing standards of performance or of taking other additional actions under this chapter to require the generators of [hazardous waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=5) to reduce the volume or quantity and toxicity of the [hazardous waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=5) they [generate](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=8), and of establishing with respect to [hazardous wastes](/usc/42/6903.md?p=5) required management [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) or other requirements to assure such wastes are managed in ways that minimize present and future risks to human health and the environment. Such report shall include any recommendations for legislative changes which the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) determines are feasible and desirable to implement the national policy established by [section 6902 of this title](/usc/42/6902.md).
- (s) **Extending landfill life and reusing landfilled areas—** The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall conduct detailed, comprehensive studies of methods to extend the useful life of [sanitary landfills](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26) and to better use sites in which filled or closed landfills are located. Such studies shall address—
  - (1) methods to reduce the volume of materials before placement in landfills;
  - (2) more efficient systems for depositing waste in landfills;
  - (3) methods to enhance the rate of decomposition of [solid waste](/usc/42/6903.md?p=27) in landfills, in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner;
  - (4) methane production from closed landfill units;
  - (5) innovative uses of closed landfill sites, including use for energy production such as solar or wind energy and use for metals recovery;
  - (6) potential for use of sewage [treatment](/usc/42/6903.md?p=34) [sludge](/usc/42/6903.md?p=26A) in reclaiming landfilled areas; and
  - (7) methods to coordinate use of a landfill owned by one [municipality](/usc/42/6903.md?p=13) by nearby [municipalities](/usc/42/6903.md?p=13), and to establish equitable rates for such use, taking into account the need to provide future landfill capacity to replace that so used.

  The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) is authorized to conduct [demonstrations](/usc/42/6903.md?p=2A) in the areas of study provided in this subsection. The [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) shall periodically report on the results of such studies, with the first such report not later than October 1, 1986. In carrying out this subsection, the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) need not duplicate other studies which have been completed and may rely upon information which has previously been compiled.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 89–272, title II, § 8002, as added Pub. L. 94–580, § 2, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2831; amended Pub. L. 95–609, § 7(t), Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3083; H. Res. 549, Mar. 25, 1980; Pub. L. 96–482, § 29, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2349; Pub. L. 98–616, title II, § 224(c), title VII, § 702, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3253, 3289.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1984—Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 98–616, § 224(c), added subsec. (r).

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 98–616, § 702, added subsec. (s).

1980—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–482, § 29(1), required publication of report no later than thirty-six months after Oct. 21, 1980, and its submission to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Subsecs. (m) to (q). Pub. L. 96–482, § 29(2), added subsecs. (m) to (p) and redesignated former subsec. (m) as (q).

1978—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 95–609, § 7(t)(1), substituted “shale, liquefaction” for “shale liquefaction”.

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 95–609, § 7(t)(2), enacted a provision adding the Secretary of Energy and the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors to the Committee.

Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 95–609, § 7(t)(3), substituted “paragraph (1)(D)” for “paragraph (2)(D)”.

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 95–609, § 7(t)(4), substituted “paragraph (1)” for “paragraph (2)(D)”.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 95–609, § 7(t)(5), struck out requirement of submission of reports under subsec. (j) of this section.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Change of Name

Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce immediately prior to noon on Jan. 3, 1981, by House Resolution No. 549, Ninety-sixth Congress, Mar. 25, 1980. Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives, and jurisdiction over matters relating to securities and exchanges and insurance generally transferred to Committee on Financial Services of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Jan. 3, 2001.

### Executive Documents

### Transfer of Functions

For transfer of certain enforcement functions of Administrator or other official of Environmental Protection Agency under this chapter to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, and subsequent transfer to Secretary of Energy, then to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, see note set out under section 6903 of this title.