Here are some quick highlights:
There has been renewed federal attention on materials management which is driving EPA’s work. In 2020, EPA was directed to produce a national recycling strategy
(released in November 2021). This was followed by the
Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (2020) which authorized the creation of grant programs, and the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (2021) which provided the funding for those programs
(read more).
The National Recycling Strategy objectives
(see below) were based on current challenges the U.S. recycling system is facing (i.e., inadequate recycling infrastructure and market demands, confusion on what is recyclable, and concerns regarding environmental justice).
Objectives:
- Improve markets for recycled commodities.
- Increase collection and improve materials management infrastructure.
- Reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream.
- Enhance policies and programs to support circulatory.
- Standardize measurement and increase data collection.
The National Recycling Strategy …
- Focuses on enhancing the national municipal solid waste or “household” recycling system.
- Identifies stakeholder-led actions to create a stronger, more resilient, more equitable and more cost-effective MSW recycling system.
- Acknowledges recycling is only one part of what is needed to achieve a circular.
- Commits EPA to developing additional strategies (plastics, foodwaste/organics, electronics) – still in draft forms and hope to release drafts for public comments in the coming year.
As part of the Strategy, EPA is currently offering two grant programs*
o Political Subdivisions
o Tribe and Intertribal Consortia
o States and Territories (non-competitive)
*Note: Applications for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Political Subdivisions and the Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program from now until February 15, 2023.
Additionally, EPA has been tasked with developing battery recycling best practices and labeling guidelines to be completed by September 2026.
Other resources funded under the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include:
Contact EPA …