Two major federal policy proposals aimed at improving the U.S. recycling system were spotlighted during a July 16, 2025, Congressional hearing before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment. The hearing, “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth,” emphasized the need for modernized infrastructure, creating consistent labeling standards, and engagement in global plastics policy.
Incentivizing Domestic Recycling Investment
Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi, (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act of 2025. The CIRCLE Act would offer a 30% investment tax credit over 10 years for qualified investments in new or upgraded recycling infrastructure. Local municipalities, investing in the reduction of waste from their own communities, would receive a direct rebate.
According to The Recycling Partnership, the CIRCLE Act offers an opportunity to galvanize investment from the private sector to help unlock more than $30 billion in economic benefits from recycling – including 200,000 new jobs, $9.5 billion dollars in taxpayer savings, and an additional 169 million tons of recyclables returned to domestic markets.
Creating a National Labeling Standard
Representative Randy Weber (R-TX) announced plans to introduce the Packaging Claims and Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025, which would establish a new national framework for making claims about compostability, recyclability, and reusability under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act.
The goal is to eliminate the growing patchwork of state-level labeling requirements, allowing manufacturers and brands to comply with a single national framework. Primary oversight authority would be given to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Under current law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has jurisdiction over environmental claims about packaging, which it exercises through its Green Guides. The guides, however, do not have the force of law, which has led to states developing their own, sometimes conflicting, standards.
PRINTING United Alliance, along with industry stakeholders, voiced strong support for a consistent, federally accredited system that helps consumers make informed recycling decisions while reducing regulatory complexity.
Additional Bipartisan Recycling Legislation
Four bipartisan bills were were discussed in the hearing and they aim to modernize the U.S. recycling system through data transparency, infrastructure investment, examination of reuse, and community access. The bills are:
- The Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development (STEWARD) Act of 2025 (S. 351) would establish a federal grant program to support state and local recycling programs, enhance public education, and promote market development for recycled materials.
- The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) of 2025 (H.R. 2145) focuses on expanding recycling services in underserved and rural communities by funding infrastructure improvements that increase curbside and drop-off access.
- The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) of 2025 (H.R. 4109) would direct the EPA to collect comprehensive data on recycling and composting systems nationwide, helping to identify gaps and improve measurement of waste management performance.
- The Research for Environmental Uses and Sustainable Economies (REUSE) Act of 2025 (S. 2110) would give EPA two years to study the feasibility and best practices for “reuse and refill systems,” or products that can be reused by consumers or recycled back into the supply chain by producers.
The CIRCLE Act and the PACK Act are currently in draft form and awaiting bill numbers. The CIRCLE Act enjoys strong bipartisan support and stands a good chance of advancing, while the PACK Act, which focuses on federal preemption of labeling laws, has garnered support from industry stakeholders. PRINTING United Alliance supports federal preemption in packaging and recycling labeling standards, as a patchwork of state laws creates confusion, increases compliance costs, and undermines efforts to promote clear, nationwide consumer communication.
The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) passed the Senate in previous legislative sessions but stalled in the House as part of a broader budget package. Key elements from both bills have been revived in the STEWARD Act, introduced in February 2025. The STEWARD Act was unanimously reported favorably out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and has a high likelihood of passing. Meanwhile, the REUSE Act remains under consideration in that same committee.
Collectively, these proposals reflect growing bipartisan interest in strengthening the circular economy and improving recycling outcomes across the country.
Mixed Views on Chemical Recycling
The hearing also featured discussion around chemical, or “advanced” recycling. These technologies turn used solid plastic into its gas or liquid raw materials to be remade into brand new plastic for use in virtually any plastic product or packaging.
Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) raised concerns about environmental risks and whether such technologies truly reduce reliance on virgin materials. Ross Eisenberg, representing the American Chemistry Council (ACC), countered that regulatory uncertainty is stifling investment and encouraged Congress to let advanced recycling develop just like any other technology.
The plastics recycling industry is investing billions of dollars in these technologies and has launched dozens of projects designed to divert millions of tons of used plastic per year from landfills.
According to America’s Plastic Makers, re-manufacturing plastic through advanced recycling – instead of simply wasting it – strengthens our domestic supply chain, creates jobs, and reduces our environmental footprint. It represents an opportunity for the U.S. to lead the world in stronger, more resilient, and sustainable manufacturing.
U.S. Engagement in Global Plastic Treaty Urged
Finally, ACC called for more robust U.S. involvement in ongoing negotiations for a United Nations Global Plastics Treaty. With the next round of talks set for August 5, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, industry leaders stressed that the U.S. must have clear legal authority and a unified strategy to influence outcomes that affect domestic recycling and material trade.
Failure to engage meaningfully could leave American recyclers and manufacturers at a disadvantage in international markets. Eisenberg said, “When we’re not at the table in a meaningful way, others step in and not always in ways that reflect our interests.”
What It Means for the Printing Industry
For the printing and packaging industry, these federal initiatives signal a broader shift toward building a more efficient, transparent, and accessible recycling system, aligning with the printing industry’s commitment to sustainability, resource recovery, and meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious customers.
PRINTING United Alliance will continue monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that support innovation, investment, and a circular economy in print and packaging.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on federal recycling legislation. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.