Improving Recycling Across our Nation on America Recycles Day

This year marks the 27^th anniversary of America Recycles Day. For nearly three decades now, communities across our nation have come together on this day to celebrate our shared commitment to recycling.

Recycling is one of my favorite topics. I’ve recycled everything from electronics to a Ford Explorer and much more. By taking old products and giving them new life, we’re not just reducing waste – we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change for future generations – all while creating economic opportunity and jobs. That’s a win-win in my book!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, America only recycles approximately 32 percent of our waste. That’s why we worked hard in Congress to secure $350 million to strengthen recycling infrastructure and provide recycling education grants as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Fortunately, this funding is already going out the door – supporting the purchase of new recycling collection vehicles, construction of recycling and composting facilities, and more! But there’s no doubt we have more work to do to expand recycling and composting across our nation.

As co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, I’m proud to have worked across the aisle with Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia and my caucus co-chair Senator John Boozman from Arkansas to pass two bipartisan recycling bills through the Senate. Now, we are working hard to get them through the House of Representatives and to the President’s desk!

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act will lay the groundwork for a national composting strategy while improving data collection on our nation’s recycling systems to help states and companies make smart investments. And the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will create a pilot program at the Environmental Protection Agency to help expand recycling services in underserved and rural communities. Together, these bills will address several of the challenges that America’s recycling efforts currently face, including the lack of good data and access to recycling programs.

I believe that we all have a responsibility to leave our planet in better shape than we found it. As President Macron of France once famously said, “There’s no Planet B.” So today, on America Recycles Day, join me in doing your part to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Sincerely,

Tom Carper