Miller-Meeks' Bipartisan Recycling Accessibility Bill Advances Through Energy & Commerce Committee

May 21, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) today announced that the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed her bipartisan Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act , legislation designed to expand recycling access in rural and underserved communities and strengthen America’s domestic recycling infrastructure. The legislation now advances to the full House of Representatives. “Rural communities should not be left behind when it comes to recycling infrastructure and economic opportunity,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks . “This legislation takes a practical, commonsense approach to improving recycling access, supporting local partnerships, strengthening domestic supply chains, and creating jobs in communities that have historically lacked access to these services.” The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act would establish an EPA pilot grant program to help states, local governments, tribes, and public-private partnerships improve recycling accessibility in areas located more than 75 miles from a materials recovery facility. Eligible projects include: Expanding recycling collection programs; Increasing the number of transfer stations; Supporting public-private partnerships to reduce transportation and collection costs; Improving recycling access in rural and underserved communities. “This bill helps strengthen American manufacturing, support domestic supply chains, and recover more valuable recyclable materials here at home instead of relying on foreign countries,” Miller-Meeks continued . “It’s a smart investment in rural communities, economic growth, and American industry.” The legislation received broad bipartisan support from industry leaders, manufacturers, recyclers, and business organizations. Widespread Support: "Today’s action marks important progress on strengthening America’s recycling system at a time when communities and manufacturers are calling for better solutions. IBWA thanks Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Joe Neguse for their leadership in advancing bold, bipartisan federal action that will improve recycling outcomes that our industry has been calling for. This bill expands access, improves infrastructure, and strengthens accountability in recycling programs—common-sense steps that will make a meaningful difference on the ground. IBWA commends committee leadership and the many bipartisan cosponsors for elevating this issue as a national priority, and we urge the full House to pass this bill in the coming weeks to bring transformative recycling solutions to consumers across the country. " - IBWA President and CEO Matt Herrick “This legislation is a critical step in enhancing recycling access for all Americans, especially those who live in underserved or rural areas,” said Julie Landry, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Forest & Paper Association . “We applaud Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ leadership on this important issue, which will help advance a circular economy and bolster American paper manufacturers.” “America needs more aluminum,” said Charles Johnson, CEO of the Aluminum Association . “Expanding recycling access to rural and other underserved communities while improving recycling data will help American manufacturers recover more valuable aluminum, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.” “The Aluminum Association urges the full House Energy and Commerce Committee to advance the Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act (H.R. 2145). The legislation would provide clear benefits to America’s recycling system and support domestic manufacturing and supply chain security. Expanding recycling access to rural and other underserved communities while improving recycling data will help American manufacturers recover more valuable aluminum, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports. Further, the association appreciates the strong support of Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks in sponsoring this important legislation and looks forward to her continued work in advocating for its passage” – Curt Wells, The Aluminum Association “PLASTICS thanks Rep. Miller-Meeks for her strong bipartisan leadership in advancing practical recycling solutions that strengthen America’s manufacturing and recycling systems,” said Chris Rager, Vice President of Government Affairs at PLASTICS . “The committee passage of H.R. 2145 marks an important step toward expanding recycling infrastructure, improving data collection and reporting, and advancing a more circular manufacturing economy.” “The Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act is an important step toward expanding recycling access in rural and underserved communities,” said Anthony Tusino, Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership . “Targeted investments in communities that have historically been left behind can strengthen our nation’s ability to recycle and recover more valuable materials.” Additional organizations supporting the legislation include: Novelis, Kraft Heinz, SC Johnson, Ball Corporation, American Chemistry Council, National Association of Manufacturers, Can Manufacturers Institute, and the Flexible Packaging Association. For full bill text, click HERE . ### Issues : Delivering Results