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Improving Recycling and Composting: New Data, Standards, and Infrastructure Plans

This Act mandates the EPA to significantly improve national recycling and composting programs by collecting comprehensive data on infrastructure, contamination rates, and public access. For citizens, this means the EPA will develop clear, consistent guidelines for labeling and education, making it easier to correctly sort waste at home and reducing confusion about what is recyclable. The legislation also aims to identify and expand programs in areas where recycling access is currently limited.
Key points
The EPA must create a national inventory of recycling facilities (MRFs) and gather baseline data on what materials are processed and where, to pinpoint system deficiencies.
New, consistent, and easy-to-understand guidelines for labeling waste and recycling containers will be developed to help citizens sort materials correctly and minimize contamination.
The Act requires studies on expanding composting infrastructure and measuring how much valuable recyclable material is currently lost (diverted to landfills) instead of entering the circular market.
Authorizes $4 million annually (2025–2029) for the EPA to carry out activities aimed at improving recycling and composting.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1194
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Process start date: 2023-04-19
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Recycling and Composting Accountability Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1194.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-04-19.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The EPA must create a national inventory of recycling facilities (MRFs) and gather baseline data on what materials are processed and where, to pinpoint system deficiencies.
  • New, consistent, and easy-to-understand guidelines for labeling waste and recycling containers will be developed to help citizens sort materials correctly and minimize contamination.
  • The Act requires studies on expanding composting infrastructure and measuring how much valuable recyclable material is currently lost (diverted to landfills) instead of entering the circular market.
  • Authorizes $4 million annually (2025–2029) for the EPA to carry out activities aimed at improving recycling and composting.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2369-2370)

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Environment