NWRA urges Senate to stop flow of opioids from China

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, recently sent out a news release urging its members to contact their senators in support of the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act. The House of Representatives passed the bill in June. 

The STOP Act would prevent the shipment of powerful opioid drugs to the U.S. via the international mail system. It would also impose tough new requirements on the U.S. Postal Service and Custom and Border Protection to curb the flow of synthetic opioids into the U.S., particularly from places like China. 

“This declared public health emergency not only decreases the pool of employable individuals at a time when the waste and recycling industry is experiencing a shortage of workers and drivers but also impacts those working in the industry that have family members and loved ones suffering from this addiction," NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith says. "The STOP Act would provide powerful tools to federal agencies in the fight against the opioid crisis. We support congressional efforts to crack down on the supply and demand of opioids while increasing treatment options for those addicted. NWRA urges the Senate to pass this bill quickly and send it to the president for his signature."