Recycling AFSM and FSS Trays and Buckets

The Topeka Material Distribution Center (TMDC) is accepting the items below from Automated Flat Sorting Machines (AFSM100) and Flats Sequencing Systems (FSS) for recycling. Each different color bucket or tray must be on a separate pallet.

Note: FSS black buckets, NSN 9330-12-000-7234, are routed differently than the other four types and do not use the tray label shown in this article. See separate instructions for FSS black buckets.*

Ship trays to TMDC using the tray label shown here:

Ensure there are no other placards or shipping labels on the container before shipping. Do not add anything else to these wooden pallets (skids) or Gaylords. Send only the products listed.

Important: Use only wooden pallets. Do not send on orange plastic pallets. Send full pallets only. Please keep in mind that these materials need to flow through the Bulk Mail Center/Network Distribution Center network.

Ship buckets and trays (except FSS buckets) to TMDC using the tray label shown above.

n AFSM100 Green Automation Compatible Trays (ACT)

Stack the green trays 3–4 feet high on a wooden pallet and tightly shrink-wrap the pallet. Complete and attach two tray labels to each pallet in the shipment.

n AFSM100 (Not FSS) Black Buckets

Place the black buckets and cart trays in a cardboard Gaylord on a wooden pallet. Complete and attach two tray labels to each Gaylord.

n FSS Blue Rigid Captive Tray Assembly (RCT)

Place the blue RCT in a cardboard Gaylord on a wooden pallet. Complete and attach two tray labels to each Gaylord.

n FSS Yellow Carrier Street Trays

Place the yellow trays in a cardboard Gaylord on a wooden pallet. Complete and attach two tray labels to each Gaylord.

*Special Handling Instructions for FSS Black Buckets, NSN 9330-12-000-7234

FSS black buckets must be treated as repairable items. Stack the black buckets and cart trays on a wooden pallet 3–4 feet high and tightly shrink-wrap the pallet.

FSS black buckets must be routed to the central repair facility for repair or recycling. Use the Electronic Return Process at crf.usps.gov/directory.asp to prepare a shipping label for these pallets.

1. Under “NRFI Returns,” select Return Repairable Items.

2. Enter your Fedstrip and select Continue.

3. Enter the bucket NSN, 9330-12-000-7234, and enter one (1) for the quantity (1 pallet) of buckets.

4. Review to ensure the proper item was entered.

5. Select “Non Postage Address Label” from the drop-down menu and click Generate Return Label.

6. Print two copies of the Non Postage Address Label and attach them to the pallet. The FSS black buckets can now be shipped.