A variety of companies and individuals periodically approach state waste programs with plans to turn a previously discarded material into a commodity and ask for a determination that the proposed use is acceptable. These approvals are commonly called Beneficial Use Determinations (BUDs). The NEWMOA states support the reuse of non-hazardous waste materials as a way to reduce the amount of material sent to disposal facilities and increase sustainability. At the same time, states are also concerned about the potential environmental impacts of these alternative uses. In response, many states have established programs to accept and review proposed projects.

In 2000, NEWMOA initiated the BUD Workgroup for states to share information about their BUD programs and the waste and use proposals they receive and approve. The NEWMOA BUD Workgroup developed an on-line, members-only BUD database to help states share information and improve the efficiency of their BUD approval processes. Since 2000, NEWMOA has improved the usability of the database, and expanded the information in the database to over 1,500 BUDs issued by over 25 states. The NEWMOA BUD database is accessible to state and federal government only. A username and password are required. For more information, please contact Jennifer Griffith at .

The BUD Workgroup also produced fact sheets for the public on selected waste/use combinations:

• Beneficial Use of Non-Hazardous Coal Power Plant Fly Ash as Flowable Fill [PDF], April 2001
• Beneficial Use of Tire Shreds as Lightweight Fill [PDF], April 2001
• Beneficial Use of Wood Ash on Agricultural Land [PDF], April 2001
• Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) Program [PDF], January 2002