Tracking Plastic Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 30, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a federal working group to develop strategies and recommendations for enhancing recycled plastic content traceability and increasing its use in the U.S. economy.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a Federal working group to develop recommendations for increasing the use of post-consumer resin and improving the measurement, traceability, and reporting of recycled plastic content across various economic sectors. The group is mandated to consider domestic market capacity, economic benefits, toxic chemical monitoring, and standardized measurements consistent with international standards, reporting annually to Congress.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is a crucial step towards a more circular economy for plastics, addressing the growing problem of plastic waste by promoting the use of recycled materials and improving data collection. They contend that better traceability will foster market demand for recycled content, reduce reliance on virgin plastics, and help monitor potential contaminants, aligning the U.S. with international standards.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that establishing another federal working group adds bureaucracy without guaranteeing concrete outcomes, potentially duplicating efforts already underway by industry or existing agencies. They might also contend that the focus on traceability could impose new regulatory burdens on businesses, increasing costs without a clear return on investment, or that market-based solutions are more effective than government-led initiatives.
The bill is very short and clear, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Federal Working Group for Recycled Plastic Content Traceability
This section formally creates the "Federal working group for recycled plastic content traceability" (Working Group) to address issues related to recycled plastics. It sets the foundation for all subsequent activities mandated by the bill, providing a dedicated body to focus on these specific challenges.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated federal working group is essential to bring together diverse expertise from across government and academia to tackle the complex challenges of plastic recycling and traceability in a coordinated manner.
Critics contend
Some might argue that creating a new working group could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies or overlap with existing initiatives, suggesting that current agencies could address these issues without a new formal body.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to a complex problem and the potential for increased bureaucracy or redundancy.
Section 2(b)
Composition and Leadership of the Working Group
This section details the composition of the Working Group, including representatives from various federal departments and agencies, as well as representatives from institutions of higher education and the National Academy of Sciences. It also designates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to lead on traceability recommendations and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Commerce (DOC) to jointly lead on all other duties.
Section 2(c)(1)
Recommendations for Increasing Post-Consumer Resin Use
The Working Group is tasked with developing recommendations to increase the use of post-consumer resin. This includes considering the necessary capacity and improvements for domestic markets, the economic benefits of using recycled plastics, and methods to monitor and measure toxic chemicals in post-consumer resin content, aiming for safer and more effective recycling.
Section 2(c)(2)
Recommendations for Improving Measurement, Traceability, and Reporting of Recycled Plastic Content
This section directs the Working Group to develop recommendations for improving how recycled plastic content is measured, traced, and reported across key economic sectors like packaging, construction, infrastructure, and automotive. This includes establishing standardized measurements consistent with international standards, describing a federal tracking system, improving trade data clarity, and enhancing traceability of plastic marine debris.
Section 2(d) and 2(e)
Annual Reports and Working Group Termination
The Working Group is required to submit annual public reports summarizing its activities and any recommendations developed or updated. The group is set to terminate no later than 10 years after its establishment, once all its duties are fulfilled, ensuring a defined operational period.
The Working Group is mandated to coordinate with States, local governments, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, material recovery facilities, plastic reclaimers using recycled content, and academic institutions.
Section 2(c) preamble
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for outlining the scope of engagement for a working group, rather than an attempt to obscure the provision.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this broad coordination is essential to gather practical insights and ensure that recommendations are implementable and address real-world challenges faced by diverse stakeholders in the recycling ecosystem.
Case against: Critics might suggest that involving such a wide array of external groups could complicate and slow down the working group's process, making it harder to reach timely conclusions due to diverse interests and perspectives.
Estimated impact: Ensures that federal recommendations are informed by a wide range of practical and local perspectives, potentially increasing their effectiveness and adoption across various sectors and jurisdictions.