NWRA Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan House Legislation to Strengthen Recycling Efforts

ARLINGTON, VA –  The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) thanks Representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) for introducing the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, bipartisan legislation focused on improving recycling and composting systems. This comes on the heels of the introduction last week of the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (H.R. 8059) in the House by Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO), Tim Burchett (R-TN), and Bill Foster (D-IL).

Senate companion legislation cosponsored by Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE), Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) were introduced in March and approved by the EPW Committee in late April. Both await a floor vote by the full Senate.

“NWRA fully supports the bipartisan legislation proposed by Representatives McKinley and Sherrill to address the issues of improving rural recycling accessibility,” stated NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “This legislative package, along with the bill sponsored by Representatives Neguse, Burchett, and Foster, are integral to advancing America’s domestic recycling infrastructure and capabilities at a critical time when supply chain shortages are demonstrating the need for greater self-sufficiency.”

In February, then-NWRA Chairman Ben Harvey testified before the Senate EPW Committee at its hearing to examine these legislative proposals to improve domestic recycling and composting programs, particularly in rural areas. NWRA has been meeting with and providing assistance to House and Senate staff as these bills were being drafted. The Association will continue to actively support these pieces of legislation to ensure that they become law.

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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.