Recycling and Composting Label Standards
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce received this bill on August 6, 2026. It has not moved since that date and must be reviewed by the committee before it can proceed further. Most bills do not receive a committee vote, so this proposal is currently stalled.
While the bill addresses a common frustration for consumers, it faces significant opposition from the packaging industry and has not yet gained broad support from both parties.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Businesses that make or sell packaging, food service items, or beverage containers and choose to put recycling, compost, reuse, or refill claims on their products must meet strict national criteria or drop the label entirely. Smaller producers may face added costs testing materials, redesigning packaging, or submitting evidence to the EPA, and could face daily fines if the FTC finds a violation and it isn't fixed within 180 days.
“Any person that violates this section, is provided notice under subparagraph (A), and does not rectify the violation by the end of the period described in that subparagraph shall be fined for each violation and for each day that the violation occurs”
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
A bicameral bill introduced Aug. 7 would set national criteria for when packaging can be labeled recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Under the Truth in Labeling Act, a material qualifies as recyclable only if it serves 60% of consumers and has a responsible end market for the material.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Lou Correa announced the Truth in Labeling Act of 2026 to establish clear federal guidelines for labeling consumer products. The bill aims to restore consumer confidence by requiring accurate labels for recyclable and compostable items.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Truth in Labeling Act of 2026
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