SWANA Applauds the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee for Holding a Hearing on Efforts to Improve Reuse and Recycling

May 22, 2024 – The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has issued a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee commending the committee’s hearing on Efforts to Improve Reuse and Recycling in the United States.

The letter submitted by SWANA acknowledges funding from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants are enabling communities to implement reduction, reuse, and recycling programs, and encouraged the committee to take urgent actions for supporting ongoing federal funding for this needed infrastructure.

For recycling to be successful and self-sustaining, there must be support across the entire system—from design and labeling of materials, through collection and processing, to support for creating viable end products with market demand—because sustainable recycling systems require demand for recycled products and clarity for consumers about what is recyclable.

“Product and packaging manufacturers are increasingly setting goals to incorporate recycled content and to design for recycling. In order to be successful, stronger collaboration between brands and those who are collecting and processing recycling—SWANA’s members—are needed. If you design something to be recycled but don’t communicate that with the individuals running the community recycling programs, you will have limited success. We are committed to strengthening collaboration to achieve successful recycling programs,” said Kristyn Oldendorf, Director of Public Policy at SWANA.

As a member of the US Plastics Pact, SWANA is collaborating with brands to achieve recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging and to strengthen recycling systems to provide recycled content. As the federal government works to advance circular economy initiatives, SWANA is prepared to support its members in implementation of programs.

“SWANA welcomes collaboration with government agencies, like-minded organizations, and producers. Our members have first-hand perspectives on the impacts of SWIFR grants implemented, as well as the remaining gaps,” Oldendorf said.

Read the letter submitted by SWANA.