The U.S. Senate's Committee of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) has held a hearing on proposals to improve domestic recycling and composting programs. This marks the first congressional hearing focused on recycling in 2022.
The purpose of the hearing is to review legislative proposals to bolster U.S. recycling and composting programs, and specifically, the Recycling Infrastructure & Accessibility Act and the Recycling & Composting Accountability Act. The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) supports the overall goals of these bills to expand accessibility to recycling programs through federal funding and generate more robust data on these programs and recycling facilities.
"Although recycling markets strengthened considerably in 2021, municipal recycling programs are at risk as local governments continue to struggle with insufficient infrastructure, public confusion about programs, and labour challenges, among other issues," stated David Biderman, SWANA Executive Director and CEO. "Congressional action that supports efforts to expand and improve recycling programs and systems in the United States are welcome. SWANA looks forward to working with Senate and House leaders to craft legislation that achieves those objectives."
