Bill to improve recycling access in rural and underserved areas passes U.S. House subcommittee
The legislation aims to improve recycling infrastructure where residents often lack access, while strengthening domestic supply chains
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks' (IA-01) bipartisan legislation, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, passed the House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee, advancing the bill one step closer to full House consideration.
A dedicated program to improve recycling access in rural and underserved communities
The legislation would establish an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pilot program to improve recycling accessibility in rural and underserved communities where residents often lack access to nearby recycling infrastructure.
Under the bill, the EPA would award grants to eligible entities — including states, local governments, tribes, and public-private partnerships — to improve access to recycling systems in underserved areas. Eligible projects include adding more transfer stations, expanding curbside recycling collection where appropriate, and leveraging partnerships to reduce transportation and collection costs.
The legislation is designed to strengthen America's domestic recycling infrastructure while helping retain valuable recyclable materials, including aluminum and paper products, within the U.S. supply chain.
"Recycling in rural America comes with unique challenges, and for too many communities, access to recycling simply does not exist," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "[The] subcommittee passage is an important step toward expanding recycling infrastructure, strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting American manufacturing, and creating opportunities for rural communities across the country. I'm proud to see this bipartisan legislation continue moving forward."
The Bill has received widespread support across the recycling industry
"This legislation is a critical step in enhancing recycling access for all Americans, especially those who live in underserved or rural areas," said Julie Landry, vice president of Government Affairs at the American Forest & Paper Association. "We applaud Congresswoman Miller-Meeks' leadership on this important issue, which will help advance a circular economy and bolster American paper manufacturers."
"America needs more aluminum," said Charles Johnson, CEO of the Aluminum Association. "Expanding recycling access to rural and other underserved communities while improving recycling data will help American manufacturers recover more valuable aluminum, strengthen domestic supply chains, and reduce reliance on imports."
"The Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act is an important step toward expanding recycling access in rural and underserved communities," said Anthony Tusino, senior director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership. "Targeted investments in communities that have historically been left behind can strengthen our nation's ability to recycle and recover more valuable materials."
Additional organizations supporting the legislation include: Novelis, Kraft Heinz, SC Johnson, Ball Corporation, American Chemistry Council, National Association of Manufacturers, Can Manufacturers Institute, Flexible Packaging Association, and the Aluminum Association.
