Recycling Legislation Moves Forward in the House
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager May 27, 2026

On May 21, 2026, two bipartisan recycling bills advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking progress on federal efforts to strengthen recycling access, infrastructure, and data collection.

H.R. 2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) passed both the House Subcommittee on the Environment and the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill is designed to improve recycling access in underserved communities, helping more Americans participate in local recycling programs.

During committee consideration, H.R. 4109, the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) was added to RIAA as an amendment. RCAA would help the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency improve recycling and composting measurement, data, and reporting tools; an important step toward better understanding and improving the nation’s recycling system.

PRINTING United Alliance has long supported both bills since their introduction in the 117th Congress. They are also endorsed by a broad coalition of stakeholders including manufacturers, consumer brands, trade groups, and environmental organizations. The unanimous committee vote marks another step toward recycling investment needed to work towards solving recycling’s toughest challenges nationwide.  

Together, the bills would advance the nation’s recycling capabilities, support a robust and circular economy, and help secure critical domestic supply chains. Investing in the recycling infrastructure and system is investing in a more productive and resilient American economy. The Alliance government affairs team will continue to advocate for policies that support innovation, investment, and a circular economy in print and packaging. 

The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration. The Alliance urges the full House to pass the RIAA with all due speed.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on recycling legislation advancing in the House. 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.

Congressional Updates Environmental Legislation
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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