Recycling Infrastructure and Data Accountability Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 30, 2026
Bottom line
The bill mandates an EPA study into a national recycling database, with a conditional directive to establish it if deemed feasible and recommended.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a study on the feasibility of creating a standardized national database for tracking various aspects of recycling, including materials, infrastructure capacity, recovery outcomes, landfill diversion, and areas with limited recycling access. If the study finds it feasible and recommends it, the EPA Administrator is then mandated to establish and maintain this public online database.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that a standardized national database is crucial for understanding the current state of recycling in the United States, identifying gaps in infrastructure, and making data-driven policy decisions to improve material recovery and reduce landfill reliance. They contend that better data will lead to more efficient investments and more effective extended producer responsibility programs.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the cost and administrative burden of conducting such a comprehensive study and subsequently establishing and maintaining a national database. They may also question the feasibility of standardizing data collection across diverse state, tribal, and local recycling systems, and whether the benefits would outweigh the significant operational challenges and potential for data inaccuracies.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
EPA Feasibility Study for a National Recycling Database
This provision directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to conduct a study to determine if it is feasible to create a national, standardized database for tracking recycling information. The study must specifically identify regions lacking recycling infrastructure, catalog existing waste and recycling facilities (those processing 25,000 tons or more annually), analyze their capacity, examine barriers to developing and expanding these facilities, and pinpoint geographic areas where more recycling facilities are needed.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this study is a critical first step towards creating a more efficient and equitable national recycling system. By identifying infrastructure gaps and operational challenges, the EPA can provide valuable insights that inform future policy and investment decisions, ultimately improving recycling rates and reducing waste.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that conducting such a broad study could be costly and time-consuming, potentially diverting resources from more immediate environmental initiatives. They may also argue that the EPA already possesses sufficient data or that a federal study might duplicate efforts already underway at state or local levels.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for comprehensive data to inform policy against the administrative burden and cost of collecting and analyzing that data. It also navigates the tension between federal oversight and the traditionally localized nature of waste management.
Section 2(b) and 2(c)
Report to Congress and Conditional Database Establishment
Within 18 months of the bill's enactment, the EPA Administrator must submit a report to Congress detailing the study's findings and providing recommendations on establishing a national recycling database. Crucially, if the study concludes that such a database is feasible and the Administrator recommends its establishment, then the Administrator is mandated to create and publicly maintain this standardized national database online within one year of submitting the report.