Miller-Meeks, Sherrill Introduce the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Vice Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a pilot program to improve recycling accessibility in communities where there is not more than one recycling materials recovery facility within a 75-mile radius of that community.
“Recycling in rural America is no small feat,” said Miller-Meeks. “In many cases, recycling in rural communities can require driving long distances to reach facilities that can process recycled materials. However, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act rethinks rural recycling programs, works with states and local governments to support partnerships to process recyclable materials, and creates good-paying jobs for our rural and underserved communities. I urge my colleagues to expand access to recycling for all communities and pass the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act.”
“Reducing waste and lowering our carbon footprint are paramount in our shared responsibility to protect our planet – and the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will help us do just that,” said Sherrill. “I’m proud to help lead this legislation that will give communities an opportunity to develop innovative recycling programs that will strengthen sustainability efforts and expand recycling access in historically underserved areas.”
“As the world’s largest recycler of aluminum, Novelis applauds Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ introduction of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act,” said Chris Cerone, VP, Public Affairs and Communications, Novelis INC. “Expanding recycling access through the creation of public-private partnerships in underserved recycling communities, especially for critical materials like aluminum, is good for the economy and environment. Novelis appreciates the legislation’s proactive, market-oriented approach to enhancing recycling across the country. Novelis believes the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will spur unique recycling partnerships and serve as a catalyst for additional policies that advance American recycling and expand the circular economy. The company fully supports this legislation and looks forward to working with the Congresswoman to ensure its passage.”
“As we aim to make our packaging more recyclable, reusable and compostable, we recognize that it isn’t just about designing the right packaging,” said Robert Scott, President of R&D, North America at Kraft Heinz. “We must also focus on expanding recycling access to help divert more recyclables from the landfill. This piece of legislation is critical to making recycling a social norm, strengthening access where it is currently lacking, and helping build a more circular economy.”
“America’s fragmented recycling system leaves many underserved communities behind,” said John Campbell, Vice President Government Relations, Ball Corporation. “The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act provides underserved communities access to recycling and is a critical first step to improving recycling rates in the U.S. and capturing the approximately $1 billion worth of recyclable aluminum packaging that ends up in landfills each year.”
“Expanding access to recycling for underserved communities will help us build a more sustainable, circular economy,” said Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Reps. Miller Meeks and Sherrill are showing bipartisan leadership by proposing the creation of opportunities for many small and disadvantaged communities across our nation to access to collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure. This legislation will help catalyze public-private partnerships and reduce costs so that communities and companies alike can utilize the benefits of more circular materials and assist us in reaching our ambitious climate goals.”
For full bill text, please click here.
For the one-pager about the bill, please click here.
Background:
As part of the program, the EPA will award grants to eligible entities—states, local governments, Indian tribes, and public-private partnerships—to improve access to recycling systems in underserved areas, including rural communities.
The following projects would be eligible for funding:
(1) Increasing the number of transfer stations;
(2) expanding curbside recycling collection programs where appropriate;
(3) leveraging public-private partnerships to reduce the costs associated with collecting and transporting recyclable materials in underserved communities.
Full list of supportive organizations: Ball Corporation, Kraft Heinz, Can Manufacturers Institute, Aluminum Association, American Chemistry Council, Consumer Brands Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Forest and Paper Association, International Bottled Water Association, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, National Association of Manufacturers
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