NWRA Comments on EPA’s National Recycling Goal of 50%

Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) provided comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) national recycling rate measurement to achieve its recycling goal of 50 percent by 2030.

In the comments, NWRA addressed significant areas for consideration. NWRA suggested that material should be based on the type of waste rather than the source. For recycling, only municipal solid waste (MSW) should be considered when developing the rate. Both construction and demolition debris (C&D) and industrial waste should not be part of the recycling rate calculation. However, NWRA suggested that EPA develop separate recycling rate calculations for both C&D and industrial waste. In addition, NWRA recommended that EPA quantify diversion activities that are not recycling such as lightweighting to account for reduction and reuse activities.

“NWRA appreciates the opportunity to comment on EPA’s national recycling goals,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “We would urge the EPA to consider its current methodology. The recycling rate should be on the amount of MSW that is recycled.”

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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.