Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025
Recycling: Improving Access in Underserved Areas
This bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It recently moved out of a subcommittee and is waiting for the full committee to take action. The bill is actively moving through the early stages of the legislative process.
Legislative Progress
The bill has bipartisan support and addresses a common rural issue, but many bills struggle to get floor time in a busy legislative calendar.
Key Points
- This bill creates a new pilot program at the EPA to help communities that currently have little or no access to recycling. It focuses on rural or underserved areas where it is often too expensive or too far to transport recyclable materials to a processing center.
- Local governments, states, and Tribes can apply for grants ranging from 500,000 dollars to 15 million dollars. These funds can be used to build new transfer stations, expand curbside pickup, or partner with private companies to make collecting and moving recyclables more affordable.
- The program prioritizes areas that are recycling deserts, specifically places that have only one or no processing facilities within a 75-mile radius. At least 70 percent of the total funding must go toward projects in these underserved communities.
- The bill authorizes 30 million dollars in spending each year through 2029. The federal government will cover up to 90 percent of the project costs, and the EPA can waive the remaining 10 percent for communities facing severe financial hardship.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(29)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.