Recycling and Composting Accountability Act
Summary
H.R. 4109 would require the Environmental Protection Agency to gather detailed information about recycling and composting programs across the United States. The bill would direct the EPA to collect data on what materials recycling and composting programs accept, how many people have access to these services, contamination rates, and the costs to states and local governments. This information would help identify gaps in recycling and composting infrastructure and provide technical assistance to states and communities seeking to improve their programs.
The bill also requires the EPA to study the nation's capacity to implement composting programs, examine markets for recycled and compostable materials, and develop best practices that states and local governments can voluntarily adopt. These best practices would include labeling standards, educational resources for schools, and public awareness campaigns to help citizens understand how to properly recycle and compost. The legislation is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.