NWRA urges Congress to prioritize waste and recycling industries in COVID-19 relief package

In a letter sent to congressional leaders May 5, the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) calls upon legislators to prioritize critical infrastructure industries, including waste and recycling, in the next COVID-19 relief package that Congress will take up soon. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) designated the waste collection industry as essential in March.

“During this national emergency, NWRA member companies have been classified as essential and are listed under five different ‘essential critical infrastructure workers’ headings in the CISA 3.0 guidelines. They will, therefore, continue providing waste and recycling services to their customers and communities in order to protect the public’s health and safety,” NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith says. “We need congressional action on access to critical personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, in some instances, our member companies are not being compensated for their services because the businesses they serve are shut down as a result of the pandemic. We urge Congress to address these issues in the next COVID-19 relief package.”

NWRA has retained The Vogel Group, Washington, to assist in its lobbying efforts. The Vogel Group is involved in COVID-19 response engagement and has ample experience working with legislators, according to the NWRA.