NWRA urges Congress to pass recycling legislation

Following the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies’ Feb. 5 hearing, “Strengthening Community Recycling Programs: Challenges and Opportunities,” the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) is urging Congress to oppose legislation that would establish extended producer responsibility financing schemes and to instead adopt “responsible” legislation, such as the Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education (RECYCLE) Act.

In a recent statement, NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith says, “The National Waste and Recycling Association appreciates Congress for holding this hearing. We have worked with congressional leaders on bipartisan solutions to increase both the quality and quantity of recycled materials with our support for Senator Rob Portman’s RECYCLE Act. The legislation would create a consumer recycling education and outreach grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency in an effort to clean up America’s recycling stream.”

Smith continues, "We actively opposed proposed legislation that would establish product stewardship or extended producer responsibility financing schemes. On behalf of the private waste collection industry, I urge Congress to pass bipartisan, responsible legislation like the RECYCLE Act.

“We will continue to work with stakeholders like the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal partners to develop policies aimed at strengthening recycling programs.”