Recycling and Composting Accountability Act

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act aims to enhance recycling and composting programs across the United States by mandating a series of reports, studies, and data collection activities by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. The Act defines key terms such as compost, compostable material, recyclable material, and recycling to establish a common framework for these initiatives.

The EPA Administrator is directed to prepare a comprehensive report within two years on composting infrastructure and programs, evaluating existing laws that may hinder composting strategies and estimating costs for expansion. This report will also review practices of manufacturers using compostable packaging. Additionally, the Administrator must create an inventory of materials recovery facilities every four years, detailing their number, location, and the types of materials they can process, including plastics, paper, metals, and glass.

Furthermore, the Administrator will collect information on recycling and composting systems, estimating the number and types of programs, materials accepted, and access rates for individuals. This includes identifying barriers to access and assessing the inbound contamination and capture rates of these programs. The EPA may also develop standardized estimated recycling rates for states and a national recycling rate to provide technical assistance for waste reduction and increased recycling.

The Act also requires an update to a previous report on end-market sales of recyclable materials, adding an addendum on domestic and international sales. A new report on the end-market sale of compost from compostable materials is also mandated. Separately, the Comptroller General will report biennially on federal agencies' annual recycling and composting rates and their purchases of products containing recyclable or compostable materials.

Finally, the EPA Administrator must develop a metric and conduct a study on the proportion of recyclable materials diverted from a circular market, analyzing specific materials like aluminum, plastics, and glass. This study will evaluate how improved recycling programs could affect recycling rates, reduce material loss, and impact consumer prices. The Act authorizes $4,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to carry out these provisions, with a clause preventing unfunded mandates on states, local governments, or Indian Tribes.