Bipartisan Congressional Recycling Caucus gets relaunch

The Recycling Caucus was founded in 2006. It promotes policies that “boost both the economy and the environment, tackle persistent challenges in managing recyclable materials, and cement US leadership in the global circular economy,” according to a statement from Rep. Stevens’ office on Aug. 13.

The release stated that the US recycles only 21% of recyclable materials, “with only 43% of households participating and 37% of multi-family units having access to recycling at all.”

“Hitting the Environmental Protection Agency’s target of a 50% national recycling rate by 2030 will take a major investment to bring America’s recycling into the modern era,” the release said.  

Recycling value

Rep. Stevens highlighted the importance of the recycling industry to the state of Michigan and the broader US economy.

“In Michigan alone, the industry generates nearly $5 billion annually and supports thousands of good-paying jobs across sectors,” she said.

“As co-chair of the bipartisan Recycling Caucus, I’m committed to advancing circular solutions for everything from industrial metals to plastics to hard-to-reach recyclables,” Stevens added.

ReMa cheers

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) praised the relaunch of the Caucus.

“The recycled materials industry is thrilled that another group of lawmakers recognizes that our industry is a critical component of the manufacturing supply chain and the overall economic resilience of the United States,” ReMA President Robin Wiener said in a statement.

The association looks forward to working with the leadership of the Caucus “to strengthen our recycling infrastructure.”