H.R. 4109: Recycling and Composting Accountability Act

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act aims to enhance recycling and composting programs across the United States by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake several key actions. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for several terms essential to understanding the legislation:

• Administrator: Refers to the Administrator of the EPA.
• Compost: A product from the processing of biodegradable materials that is beneficial for plant growth.
• Recyclable Material: Materials that can be processed to create new products, which must currently have a market for reuse.
• Recycling: The activities involving the processing of recyclable materials into new products, thereby avoiding the use of virgin materials.

Reporting Requirements

The bill mandates the following reports and data collection:

• The EPA must evaluate and report on the current composting and recycling infrastructure, barriers to implementation, and existing programs.
• A comprehensive inventory of materials recovery facilities (MRFs) must be prepared, detailing where recyclable materials are processed and what materials can be accepted.
• Establish a report on recycling and composting rates across various states, identifying access and usage levels of these services.

Focus on Composting

The bill highlights the importance of composting by proposing:

• Evaluation of composting infrastructure, including costs and land requirements for expansion.
• Collaboration with states and local governments to assess efforts to reduce contamination rates in recycling.

Assistance for States

The bill authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to states and local governments to improve recycling and composting rates, with an emphasis on:

• Reducing overall waste produced.
• Increasing efficiency and services in recycling programs.

Federal Agency Involvement

Federal agencies are required to report on their recycling and composting activities, track the percentage of products they purchase that incorporate recyclable or compostable materials, and identify potential improvements in their practices.

Authorization of Funds

The bill also authorizes appropriations of $4 million annually from 2025 through 2029 to support the execution of these initiatives.

Evaluation of Circular Market Diversion

A study is mandated to evaluate the diversion of recyclable materials from waste streams and assess whether current recycling efforts are effective. This includes determining how many recyclable materials are lost from proper recycling processes.

Confidentiality of Information

The bill ensures that any sensitive information collected during these evaluations remains confidential, adhering to privacy requirements established under existing law.

Unfunded Mandates

It prohibits imposing requirements on states or local governments without ensuring that funding is provided, protecting them from unfunded mandates.

Relevant Companies

None found.