Two Bipartisan Bills Advancing Recycling Pass the Senate
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator Apr 29, 2024

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (S. 1189) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (S. 1194), which will help build recycling and composting infrastructure projects, increase data collection, and explore a national composting strategy. The two bipartisan bills would help the U.S. reach its national recycling goal of 50 percent by 2030.  

Both bills were first introduced in 2022 but failed to advance beyond the Senate. PRINTING United Alliance supported the passage of both bills. 

In 2023, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) reintroduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act which would establish a pilot recycling program to be administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This pilot program, through the administration of grants, would seek to improve recycling accessibility in underserved areas. Grants would range from $500,000 to $15 million.  

A complementary bill, the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, was also reintroduced last year by Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE). This legislation would require the EPA to collect and publish data on recycling and composting rates across the country and consider developing a national composting strategy. 

If signed into law, the legislation will benefit the printing industry by helping to alleviate the need for states to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. EPR programs shift responsibility for recycling costs onto the producer, which are then passed onto the consumer, resulting in increased costs. These higher costs may cause print customers to forego printed communications, reduce orders, and negotiate tighter margins.  

According to the Product Stewardship Institute, 35 states and the District of Columbia have enacted 135 EPR laws across 18 product categories. California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon have enacted EPR legislation aimed at packaging materials with Colorado and Oregon including printed paper products. Several other states are considering similar legislation.  

Additional activity in Congress includes the following actions: 

  • A public hearing was held on March 6, 2024, by the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on a national EPR program. Testimony was presented by two representatives from industry and one environmental group. The hearing was held to gather background information about what components are necessary for a federal EPR program.  
  • Companion legislation for the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (H.R. 6159) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and companion legislation for the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (H.R. 4040) has been introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO).

Whether the Senate passed recycling bills will advance in the House this year remains to be seen.  


The Alliance will continue to monitor the federal legislative activity and provide updates.  

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, addresses two Senate passed recycling bills. 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. 

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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Coordinator
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Coordinator for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. She manages all aspects of grassroots advocacy campaigns, including facilitating timely call-to-action alerts and updates to The Advocacy Center on key federal and state legislative issues. As a member of the Office of Corporate Communications, Buka manages the content and audience building responsibilities for the Government Affairs team. 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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