SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The U.S. Senate witnessed reintroduction of two bipartisan bills aimed at boosting U.S. recycling infrastructure in underserved areas. The bills also call for improved recycling-related data collection.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) were introduced ahead of Earth Day. Both the bills had passed the Senate last July, but had not made further progress in the House, despite widespread support from the recycling industry.

ALSO READ:

Michigan's Recycling Rate Touched New Record in 2022

Fire at Indiana Plastic Recycling Plant Extinguished

The RIAA proposes implementation of a U.S. EPA grant program to build infrastructure projects in areas with little or no recycling access. On the other hand, RCAA proposes research into a possible national composting strategy and comprehensive collection of recycling-related data by the EPA authorities. It directs EPA to collect numerous types of nationwide recycling and composting data. In addition, RCAA would establish voluntary guidelines for state, local and tribal governments to enhance recycling and composting efforts.

The bills were reintroduced with minor changes. For instance, the RIAA now proposes a yearly grant budget of $150 million from 2023 through 2027, as compared with the previous version which had no mention to total budget. Also, the RCCA extends certain deadlines for publishing reports.