Improved Recycling Systems: The US Bill CIRCLE Act

The US recycling goal set by the Environmental Protection Agency is set to 50% by 2030, and the government reports that America’s recycling rate is currently around 30%.

Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Brian Fitzpatrick have introduced the bipartisan Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act.

The bill aims to target investment tax credit to strengthen the US’ recycling infrastructure and bolster domestic manufacturing, while reducing waste in the environment and communities.

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, US Representative and Politician, Republican Party says:  “We can’t talk about building a 21st-century economy without investing in 21st-century recycling infrastructure. 

“The bipartisan CIRCLE Act tackles this head-on providing a new investment credit to help communities like ours in PA-1 modernise outdated systems, strengthen domestic supply chains and compete globally. 

“It’s a fiscally smart, environmentally responsible solution, and part of my broader effort to grow our local economies and protect our environment, our workforce, and the future we owe our next generation.”

The Congressmen have collaborated with the Recycling Partnership, a non profit organisation that is committed to building a better recycling system.

What does the Recycling Partnership do?

The Recycling Partnership uses a National Recycling Database to develop practical and innovative resources to address gaps in the recycling system.

The organisation provides grants, technical assistance and educational support, with interactive tools and resources designed for local community recycling leaders to connect and optimise recycling programmes.

It is made up of a team of experts, practitioners and thought leaders that are invested in protecting natural resources and creating more sustainable communities.

The Recycling Partnership says it believes in creating a robust and accessible system that will deliver economic and environmental benefits.

Tom Suozzi, US Representative and Politician, Democratic Party says: “Millions of pounds of recyclable material are landfilled or incinerated every year just because of system inefficiencies and insufficient infrastructure.

“Expanding the recycling system is a common-sense fix for both the recycling industry and the environment.”

How will the bill impact the public?

The CIRCLE act calls to establish a 30% investment credit on private investments in certain recycling infrastructure over 10 years.

The investment would promote recycling by facilitating modernising and upgrading operations, increasing the supply for domestically recycled materials.

The bill aims to help local governments that usually have to bear the cost of waste management improvements using local taxes; the government believes it could save around US$9.4bn.

Which in turn will save tax payers money going on improving the recycling system.

Tom says “Before coming to Congress, I was Mayor and a County Executive. 

“Oftentimes, local governments bear the burden of operating waste management programmes, having no choice but to pass those costs on to constituents in the form of taxes.”

The recycling partnership believes it will also provide thousands of jobs around the US and divert millions of tons of recycled materials to domestic markets.

Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership says: “Investing in American recycling infrastructure means investing in the American economy. 

“The CIRCLE Act offers an opportunity to galvanise investment from the private sector to help unlock more than US$30bn in economic benefits that can be derived from investments in recycling, including 200,000 new jobs, US$9.5bn taxpayer dollars saved, and 169 million tons of recyclables returned to domestic markets. 

“The Recycling Partnership is committed to building a better U.S. recycling system and is proud to support the CIRCLE Act.”