Recycling Technology Innovation Act

The "Recycling Technology Innovation Act" proposes to amend the Clean Air Act by revising the definition of a solid waste incineration unit . This legislation aims to differentiate certain advanced recycling technologies from traditional incineration, thereby altering their regulatory treatment under environmental law. Specifically, the bill excludes units that convert plastic or post-use polymers using processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, depolymerization, catalytic cracking, solvolysis, or chemolysis . For such units to qualify for exclusion, at least 50 percent of their output by mass must be defined as a "product," which refers to a usable substance with commercial or industrial application, explicitly excluding electricity, heat, steam, soot, char, dust, or ash. Additionally, the Act establishes a formal process for owners or operators of similar units not automatically excluded to petition the Administrator for treatment as such. The Administrator is required to make these petitions publicly available, seek public comment, and issue a decision within 180 days of receipt.