Resources for Recycling

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is developing three new waste prevention, reuse, and recycling programs:

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program

Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program, Model Recycling Program Toolkit and School Curriculum

Battery Collection Best Practices and Voluntary Battery Labeling Guidelines

Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act

Federal legislation that would establish a pilot rural recycling program at the US EPA. This program would award grants to improve recycling accessibility in communities in the same geographic area. This legislature was introduced in the Senate March 3, 2022.

Read the bill text here.

Read the one-page summary of the bill here.

Read the press release, “Overwhelming Support Continues for Capito, Carper, Boozman Recycling Bill” here.

U.S. National Recycling Goal

On November 16, 2020 at the America Recycles Summit, Administrator Wheeler announced the National Recycling Goal to increase the U.S. recycling rate to 50 percent by 2030.

Learn More About the Goal and Measures

Comment on Recycling Measurement Methodology (closes March 8, 2021)

National Recycling Strategy (11/15/21)

EPA is developing a series of strategies to build a circular economy for all. The first part of this series is the National Recycling Strategy, which identifies actions to address challenges facing the U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.

Read the Strategy

Read SWANA’s Executive Summary

Learn more on Strategy Implementation

Draft National Recycling Strategy

The draft National Recycling Strategy identifies strategic objectives and actions needed to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.

SWANA comments on National Recycling Strategy

Draft National Recycling Strategy — Executive Summary

Draft National Recycling Strategy — Full Text

National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System

The National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System is the product of a multi-stakeholder collaborative effort between federal, local, state and tribal governments; the recycling industry; non-profits; manufacturers; and product brands.

America Recycles Day

America Recycles Day^® (ARD) is celebrated nationally each year on November 15 to promote and celebrate recycling in the United States.

America Recycles Pledge

Are you a U.S.-based organization interested in working toward a more resilient materials economy?

Building on Existing Efforts

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed federal efforts to advance the EPA recycling goal of 50 percent by 2030.

Joint Advisory on Designing Contracts for Processing of Municipal Recyclables

This joint advisory provides public and private sector solid waste management professionals with guidance regarding contracting for municipal recyclables.

REPORT: Recycling Markets Have Strongly Recovered

The good news is that prices and demand for recyclables have rebounded and are at—or close to—record highs in the United States and Canada. To find the context for today’s prices or learn why recycling prices have gone up, download SWANA’s new three-page report, “Recycling Markets Have Strongly Recovered Since National Sword”.

Overcoming Recycling Challenges

At SWANApalooza 2020, recycling experts discussed how the solid waste industry is embracing new opportunities for managing recycling. That panel discussion is now available for purchase.

Earth Day Media Kit

Take advantage of SWANA’s Earth Day Media Kit to gain access to a press release template, Earth Day social media graphics, and easy tips to help the planet a better place.

onDemand Managing Recycling Systems Training Course

SWANA’s onDemand training course equips you with tools and information to successfully plan, develop, market, and manage recycling programs.