The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, brings attention to the inclusion of textiles in national recycling policy discussions.
In a statement released after the committee’s action, AMCIRC said: “American Circular Textiles applauds the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s action on H.R. 2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act. This bipartisan legislation represents meaningful progress toward building the data infrastructure that recycling markets – including textile reuse and recycling – urgently need.”
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The bill contains a provision requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study recyclable materials being diverted from circular markets. Textiles are specifically mentioned in this mandate, alongside aluminium, plastics, paper and glass.
According to AMCIRC, this inclusion signals that “textile waste must be part of the national recycling conversation”.
The H.R. 2145 combines the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act with the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, and integrates provisions from the Senate-approved Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act (STEWARD).
The legislation sets out a pilot grant programme through the EPA designed to improve recycling accessibility in areas where facilities are limited, particularly in communities without more than one materials recovery facility within a 75-mile radius.
Eligible entities such as states, local governments, Indian tribes, and public-private partnerships could apply for grants aimed at increasing the number of transfer stations, expanding curbside recycling collection where appropriate, and supporting collaborative efforts to reduce the costs of collecting and transporting recyclable materials in underserved communities.
AMCIRC highlighted the bill’s focus on closing data gaps in recycling, adding: “You cannot build markets for recycled materials without understanding where those materials are going. This bill begins to close that information gap, and we commend the Committee for moving it forward.”
