ISRI shows support for Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, has voiced its support of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act introduced by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Tom Carper (D-Delaware) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas).   

“The members of ISRI applaud Sen. Capito’s introduction of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act,” says Billy Johnson, ISRI chief lobbyist. “It represents the first substantial attempt to address the shortcomings of recycling for rural and underserved communities in the U.S. through innovative pilot projects and effective funding mechanisms to better serve these communities.”  

The legislation establishes a pilot rural recycling program at the EPA. ISRI says the bill’s pilot-program approach will provide valuable, current information about rural recycling systems that will be connected to customized solutions for all states and localities. Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranging between $1 million and $15 million would make programs more accessible for local communities and pave the way for replication in numerous areas.  

“It’s important to understand how successful the different recycling programs are before making policy decisions,” Johnson says. “Collecting data on recycling programs around the country will help legislators get the information they need to make good policy decisions.”  

Additionally, the bill offers ISRI’s definitions of recycling, recyclable materials, material recycling facility and processing.   

“This is a first because these terms have never been properly defined in a law or regulation before,” Johnson says. “It finally puts everyone on the same page.”   

ISRI says it recognizes the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act signal growing awareness of the vital role recycling plays in sustainability, the circular economy and the environment.