Miller-Meeks, Sherrill Introduce the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act
Washington, D.C – U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) 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. Miller-Meeks serves as Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus.
“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. With increased rural recycling, America can reduce its reliance on foreign countries by keeping more secondary aluminum and other infinitely recyclable products in the supply chain. I urge my colleagues to expand access to recycling for all communities and pass the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act.”
“I’m proud to help lead the bipartisan Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, which will give communities an opportunity to develop innovative recycling programs that will strengthen our sustainability efforts,” said Rep. Sherrill. “We have a responsibility to reduce waste and lower our carbon footprint — this legislation will do exactly that by empowering New Jerseyans to build local partnerships to reduce the costs of carrying out recycling programs that best meet the needs of our communities.”
For full bill text, 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.
“As the world’s largest recycler and roller of aluminum, Novelis applauds Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ re-introduction of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act,” said Chris Cerone, VP, Public Affairs and Communications, Novelis. “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 partnerships and serve as a catalyst for additional policies that advance American recycling, expand the circular economy and, ultimately, enhance the domestic supply of critical materials like aluminum. The company fully supports this legislation and looks forward to continuing its work 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.”
“Ensuring that everyone has access to reliable recycling services is important to making a difference in the plastic pollution crisis. That’s why we support the reintroduction of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, a Wisconsin-based Global Consumer Goods Company. “We commend Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Rep. Sherrill (D-NJ), as well as Sen. Capito (R-WV), for authoring legislation to expand access to recycling for rural, remote, and underserved communities across the country. I’m hopeful this bill will be an important catalyst for additional policies, like Extended Producer Responsibility, to increase recycling rates and contribute to a circular economy.”
“The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act is exactly the type of forward-thinking legislation our nation needs to strengthen domestic supply chains and recycling systems,” said Charles Johnson, President & CEO, The Aluminum Association. “On average, every American throws away 15 12-packs worth of aluminum beverage cans each year. This is a major loss to our material supply, economy and environment. By establishing a pilot program to expand recycling accessibility in underserved areas, we can help return more of this critical material to the supply chain and advance a circular economy. We appreciate Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Mikie Sherrill for their bipartisan leadership introducing this practical solution to strengthen American manufacturers and our domestic recycling infrastructure.”
“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 beverage packaging that ends up in landfills each year.”
“Our nation’s recycling system has suffered from historic underinvestment, which has left many communities and materials behind”, said Dan Felton, President & CEO, Flexible Packaging Association. “With the eventual passage of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, the U.S. EPA will explore ways to further serve Americans in rural and underserved areas and get critical feedstock back from these communities. FPA strongly supports all pathways to circularity that create win-win scenarios for flexible packaging manufacturers and the communities they serve.”
Full list of supportive organizations:
Novelis, Kraft Heinz, SC Johnson, Can Manufacturers Institute, Aluminum Association, Flexible Packaging Association, Ball Corporation, American Chemistry Council, National Association of Manufacturers.
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