An influx of legislation in Congress aims to tackle problems facing the recycling industry amid rising public attention. The bills range widely in both their industry backers and odds of success.
Fueled by international policy decisions, growing pressure on already-strained municipal budgets, and subsequent media coverage, recycling has inspired serious scrutiny and concern in recent years. While prominent members of the industry have pushed back against claims the sector has failed, many in the regulation-averse space have nonetheless called for assistance from the government. This year, they may get their wish — or regret asking to begin with.
Four notable bills are migrating through Congress, with at least one more set to be introduced in coming weeks. That legislation targets the root problems facing recycling, from education to infrastructure to the supply chain. Some bills have strong industry support, while others have drawn ongoing opposition.
It’s unclear how this wave of federal legislation will fare as the year progresses. Not all of the bills will even make it out of their respective committees. But they mark a historic moment for the space, one that could potentially lead to real long-term changes...
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