New Hampshire Passes Advanced Recycling Law

WASHINGTON, DC — Today New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed S.B. 367 into law, which will help create a more circular economy for plastics while attracting new jobs to the state.

New Hampshire is the 19^th state since 2017—and the first New England state—to enact legislation that recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of advanced recycling. S.B. 367 will appropriately regulate advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing operations rather than solid waste disposal, supporting investments in advanced recycling facilities and new manufacturing jobs for New Hampshire residents.

Advanced recycling is a manufacturing process that converts used plastics into high-quality new plastics. With advanced recycling, more types of plastics can be recycled compared to traditional recycling methods. Thanks to advanced recycling, mixed and even some soiled plastics can be remade into new plastics approved for food, pharmaceutical, and medical use. A 2021 report by Closed Loop Partners estimated that advanced recycling could double the plastics packaging recycling rate in the U.S. and Canada by 2030.

“Advanced recycling legislation passing in New Hampshire demonstrates how awareness and recognition of these transformative technologies are growing,” said Chris Jahn, president & CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC). “By remaking more used plastics into brand new plastics, advanced recycling diverts plastics from landfill, decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with virgin plastic production, and creates opportunities for new jobs and revenue streams.”

“As the first governor in New England to sign legislation on advanced recycling into law, New Hampshire continues to lead the way,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Commonsense efforts like this which benefit our environment while attracting new business and good paying jobs to the Granite State is a win for everyone.”

ACC applauds the co-sponsors of S.B. 367, Senator Kevin Avard and Representative Howard Pearl, for passing this bill through the legislature, and Governor Sununu for signing S.B. 367 into law to support economic opportunities and environmental stewardship in the state.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the multibillion-dollar business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products, technologies and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health, safety and security performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy addressing major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. ACC members and chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development, and are advancing products, processes and technologies to address climate change, enhance air and water quality, and progress toward a more sustainable, circular economy.