EPA releases 2021 National Recycling Strategy to improve recycling and solid waste management

Key Takeaways

On November 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the 2021 National Recycling Strategy. The new National Recycling Strategy builds on the EPA’s 2019 National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System. This document is the first in a series focused on advancing the national municipal solid waste recycling system to become more resilient and cost-effective. The overall strategy will outline how the agency will move forward on increasing equitable access for overburdened communities, reducing climate impacts of materials management, and managing materials for a circular economy. EPA will host a webinar on November 18 at 2 p.m. ET to engage with partners on recycling, food waste and achieving a circular economy. Click here to register.

The 2021 National Recycling Strategy includes the following five strategic objectives to strengthen the U.S. recycling system:

• Improve markets for recycled commodities through market development, analysis, manufacturing, and research.
• Increase collection of recyclable materials and improve recycling infrastructure through analysis, funding, product design, and processing efficiencies.
• Reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream through outreach and education to the public on the value of proper recycling.
• Enhance policies and programs to support recyclability and recycling through strengthened federal and international coordination, analysis, research on product pricing, and sharing of best practices.
• Standardize measurement and increase data collection through coordinated recycling definitions, measures, targets, and performance indicators.

County governments play an essential role in the nation’s recycling systems, as local governments are the primary provider of waste management services across the country. The Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act contains historic investments in our nation’s recycling system, including a $15 million county-eligible grant program for consumer recycling education and outreach. Counties have the authority and responsibility to undertake solid waste management activities, such as operating waste facilities, recycling centers, residential and commercial waste collection, landfills, combustors and transfer stations.