119-HR-2145 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bipartisan bill to expand recycling access in rural and underserved communities by funding local infrastructure projects through an EPA-run pilot program. [1]Congress.gov — H.R. 2145 (IH) — Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act…

What It Does

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 2145) directs EPA to create a competitive grant program within 18 months to improve access to recycling. Money can fund projects like new transfer stations, expanded curbside pickup, and cost‑sharing partnerships in areas that lack nearby materials recovery facilities. Education campaigns are not eligible. The bill prioritizes underserved communities and authorizes $30 million annually for FY2025–FY2029. [1]Congress.gov — H.R. 2145 (IH) — Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act…

Who’s For It

• Sponsors and co-sponsors: Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA). [1]Congress.gov — H.R. 2145 (IH) — Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act…
• Broad industry and NGO backing in committee letters, including the American Chemistry Council, American Forest & Paper Association, The Recycling Partnership, Aluminum Association, Ball Corporation, SC Johnson, International Bottled Water Association, and World Wildlife Fund, among many others. [2]U.S. House of Representatives — Documents for the Record — House Energy & Comme…
• Trade groups publicly praised committee passage (e.g., Recycled Materials Association; Plastics Industry Association), citing investment, circular-economy, and access benefits. [3]Recycled Materials Association — ReMA Commends House Committee Passage of Bill…

Who’s Against It

• No organized opposition was recorded at the May 21, 2026 House Energy & Commerce Committee markup, which advanced the bill unanimously. [4]U.S. House of Representatives — House Energy & Commerce Committee — Roll Call V…
• Some advocates argue that infrastructure-only approaches won’t meaningfully cut plastic waste without producer-responsibility or reduction policies; they point to the growing focus on extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws at the state level. [5]Packaging Dive — EPR retains packaging policy spotlight in 2026

Why It Matters

Many communities—especially rural ones—lack affordable, nearby options to get recyclables from the curb to a processing facility. By funding transfer stations, curbside routes, and partnerships, the bill aims to close those gaps so more materials can be collected and moved efficiently to end markets. The law also steers most funds to underserved areas and sets clear project sizes and cost‑share rules to make participation feasible for local governments and tribes. [1]Congress.gov — H.R. 2145 (IH) — Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act…

What’s Next

As of May 21, 2026, H.R. 2145 has been reported out of the House Energy & Commerce Committee by a 48–0 vote and awaits House floor consideration. A related Senate package—the STEWARD Act (S. 351), which combines similar recycling and composting provisions—passed the Senate by voice vote on November 20, 2025, increasing the odds for eventual bicameral agreement. [4]U.S. House of Representatives — House Energy & Commerce Committee — Roll Call V…