SWANA encouraged by Senate’s continued focus on recycling

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, says it is encouraged by the U.S. Senate’s Committee of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) hearing to discuss proposals to improve domestic recycling and composting programs.

According to SWANA, this marks the first congressional hearing focused on recycling in 2022.

The purpose of the hearing, which takes place Feb. 2, is to review legislative proposals to bolster U.S. recycling and composting programs and, specifically, the Recycling Infrastructure & Accessibility Act and the Recycling & Composting Accountability Act.

SWANA says it supports the overall goals of these bills to expand access to recycling programs through federal funding and to generate more robust data on these programs and recycling facilities.

“Although recycling markets strengthened considerably in 2021, municipal recycling programs are at risk as local governments continue to struggle with insufficient infrastructure, public confusion about programs, and labor challenges, among other issues,” states David Biderman, SWANA executive director and CEO. “Congressional action that supports efforts to expand and improve recycling programs and systems in the United States are welcome. SWANA looks forward to working with Senate and House leaders to craft legislation that achieves those objectives.”

SWANA will be reviewing the draft bills and communicating with EPW in the coming days with input from its members.