As Congress prioritizes American manufacturing and global trade, it is time to recognize one of our most overlooked resources: the valuable materials sitting at the end of every driveway.
Each year, 37 million tons of recyclable household materials in the United States are landfilled or incinerated. That loss weakens our supply chains, drives up costs for American manufacturers and wastes taxpayer-funded resources. If we are serious about revitalizing domestic production, keeping dollars in local economies and strengthening U.S. competitiveness, we must modernize our recycling system and scale access for every household.
Recycling already delivers for American industry. Recycled content makes up 40 percent of U.S. manufacturing inputs. People across the country are doing their part: setting out blue carts, dropping off batteries, returning pallets. But the system supporting them is uneven. More than 41percent of Americans still lack access to basic recycling services, and billions in raw material value is lost each year as a result. Congress has a clear opportunity to lead.
The bipartisan CIRCLE Act, introduced by Reps. Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), is a targeted, practical solution. It would create a 30 percent investment tax credit for businesses, nonprofits and individuals building or upgrading recycling infrastructure — from curbside collection to sortation and processing.
The model is proven. Like the tax credits that fueled growth in solar and semiconductors, this approach will drive innovation, reduce risk for private investors, and build a stronger, more resilient domestic supply chain. We already know this investment pays off. According to The Recycling Partnership, a $17 billion commitment to universal recycling access would create more than 200,000 U.S. jobs, return $8.8 billion in materials to the economy and save taxpayers nearly $10 billion in five years. Few investments can match that return.
Global momentum is also building. As nations convene to negotiate a global treaty on plastic pollution, the U.S. has a chance to lead from a position of strength. Investing in domestic recycling infrastructure is not just good policy, it is essential to showing global leadership on waste, sustainability and economic development.
We cannot afford to waste valuable glass, metals, plastics and paper. Nor can we ignore the growing need for extended producer responsibility policies that require producers to fund better systems, as already seen in seven U.S. states and across the globe.
The EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program offers a strong foundation. First passed with bipartisan support during the Trump administration, it has already attracted more than 450 applications. These investments are popular, cost-effective and widely supported by both Republicans and Democrats. As the EPA turns its focus to the Great American Comeback, continued funding for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program is a smart and strategic move.
But policy must go further. As more recycled plastic moves through our economy, Health and Human Services should ensure materials are safe for use in food, health and household products. Regulatory clarity is critical as manufacturers increase their use of recycled content. Protecting public health should go hand-in-hand with accelerating circularity.
Recycling is one of the rare areas that unites rural, suburban and urban interests. It creates jobs, reduces waste, lowers costs for businesses and delivers environmental returns. At a time when Americans expect real solutions, this is one Congress and the administration can act on now.
Passing the CIRCLE Act would send a clear message: the U.S. is ready to lead the world in smart, sustainable manufacturing. Recycling is a proven path to jobs, resilience and economic strength. Let’s stop wasting potential and start investing in it.
Keefe Harrison is CEO of the Recycling Partnership.
