NWRA Calls on Congressmen to Support Incentives for Increased Private Sector Domestic Recycling Infrastructure

Arlington, VA – Congressmen Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Larry Buschon (R-IN) reintroduced the Realizing the Economic Opportunities and Values of Expanding Recycling (RECOVER) Act on April 5. The legislation, which mirrors the bill they introduced in late 2019, would provide federal assistance to state and local governments to improve their recycling programs and education efforts.

“The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) supports efforts to increase domestic recycling infrastructure. The lack of sufficient capacity was highlighted by the shortages of manufacturing feedstock during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year,” stated NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “However, as is the case with President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, the RECOVER Act does not address the key role that the private sector plays in this and, in fact, places it at a competitive disadvantage.”

“NWRA is engaged in outreach to Reps. Cárdenas and Bucshon to discuss expanding their bill to include tax incentives and regulatory relief for the private sector in their final language so as to level the playing field,” continued Smith. “This will allow our members to do what they do best and be leaders in overcoming our country’s current challenges.”

NWRA previously announced its support for Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) and Reps. David Joyce (R-OH) and Dean Phillips’ (D-MN) Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education (RECYCLE) Act of 2021 introduced on March 23. The bill would establish a consumer recycling education and outreach grant program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in an effort to clean up America’s recycling stream.

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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