119-S-351 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: STEWARD Act of 2025 (S. 351)

Headline Summary: A bipartisan bill to fund local recycling infrastructure—particularly for underserved communities—and to modernize national data on recycling and composting; it cleared the Senate and is now in the House. [1]Library of Congress — S.351 — Congress.gov overview/status page (119th Congress)

What It Does: The bill tells EPA to launch a competitive pilot grant program within 18 months to expand access to recycling using a hub‑and‑spoke model (think transfer stations feeding regional facilities). Grants range from $500,000 to $15 million, with a federal cost share up to 95% and at least 70% of funds reserved for underserved communities. It also authorizes $30 million per year (FY2025–FY2029) for the grants and $4 million per year to collect, publish, and standardize recycling/composting data, including periodic facility inventories and national recycling estimates. [2]Library of Congress — S.351 bill text (as passed Senate) — Congress.gov

• Bipartisan Senate EPW leadership (Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Sen. John Boozman) back it, saying it expands access and provides the data needed to improve systems. [3]U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works — EPW Committee press rel…
• Industry groups support the approach: the Plastics Industry Association praised the recycling‑infrastructure focus; a U.S. Chamber‑led coalition has similarly supported the component bills this package draws on. [4]Plastics Industry Association — Plastics Industry Association statement support…[5]U.S. Chamber of Commerce — U.S. Chamber coalition letter supporting RCAA and RI…
• Environmental NGO support includes WWF, which called these measures a practical step to reduce plastic waste and improve access. [6]World Wildlife Fund (WWF) — WWF statement on Senate passage of bipartisan recyc…

• There was no recorded Senate roll‑call opposition; the bill passed the Senate by voice vote. [1]Library of Congress — S.351 — Congress.gov overview/status page (119th Congress)
• Some zero‑waste and recycler advocates argue that focusing on recycling access and data, while useful, is not enough without stronger measures to cut plastic production and require producer responsibility. [7]Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling (AMBR) — AMBR policy brief: Beyond Recycli…

What’s Next: As of November 20, 2025, the bill has been received in the House and is held at the desk; House leaders could refer it to committee or bring it up directly. [1]Library of Congress — S.351 — Congress.gov overview/status page (119th Congress)