Diverse coalition urges swift passage of bipartisan recycling bills

The Aluminum Association and more than 60 trade associations, corporations and NGOs sent a letter to congressional leaders calling for passage of two critical recycling bills before the end of the year. The Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act (RIAA) and the Recycling Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) have both garnered bipartisan support, having progressed through the Senate unanimously in both the 117^th and 118^th Congress.

“Increasing and improving recycling of all materials in the United States is good for the economy, the environment and our domestic supply chains,” said Charles Johnson, President & CEO of the Aluminum Association. “As major aluminum industry investments start to come online, it’s critical that our companies have the necessary material to support demand. From consumer packaging and automotive to infrastructure and defense applications, infinitely recyclable aluminum is strengthening our economy. We urge Congress to pass both recycling bills to ensure our industry is set up for long-term success.”

The RIAA proposes a pilot program to boost recycling access in underserved and rural areas, while the RCAA seeks to establish guidelines for tracking recycling and composting, facilitating improvements through data-driven strategies.

The letter argues:

“Every year, millions of pounds, and billions of dollars-worth, of valuable recyclable materials are landfilled. This includes materials designated as critical by the Department of Defense. Beyond recycling’s inherent environmental advantages, manufacturers rely on recycled material to meet demand across sectors. More recycling is good both for the planet and for the broader manufacturing economy.”

The bills address significant deficiencies in U.S. recycling policies and infrastructure. The Recycling Partnership’s 2024 State of Recycling report highlights that only 21% of recyclables are collected from households, placing the United States far behind other advanced economies in terms of recycling efficiency.

The coalition, featuring organisations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Beverage Association, The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Fund, stresses that these initiatives will bolster domestic supply chains and foster a more sustainable economy.

“Together, these bipartisan bills would advance the nation’s recycling capabilities, support a robust and circular economy, and help secure critical domestic supply chains,” the letter concludes.