Law with plastics recycling funding signed by President Trump

President Donald J. Trump has signed the Save Our Seas Act into law, according to the Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). The law was passed by the United States Senate and House of Representatives earlier in December.

According to ISRI, the law includes actions to strengthen materials management within the United States, with a particular focus on plastics. The association says it worked with lawmakers to help ensure recyclable materials were not burdened with a “waste” designation that could be problematic in the future.

“The Save Our Seas Act emphasizes the critical importance of doing all that we can to protect oceans and waterways, while at the same time recognizing the role that recycling plays as one of many actions – along with anti-littering campaigns, incentives for manufacturers to design packaging and consumer goods for recycling and reuse, and proper waste management – to help reduce plastics in waterways and oceans,” says ISRI President Robin Wiener

“ISRI was pleased to be able to work with Congressional leaders on language that properly defines the respective, and distinct, roles of recycling versus waste management in the overall strategy of our country’s materials management strategy,” Wiener adds. “This law also encourages the development of end markets for recyclable materials, which in turn creates demand and ensures material is recycled instead of ending up in landfills.”

Potential recycling end market support includes up to $55 million annually available to states through 2025 to support postconsumer materials management programs, and an additional $10 million annually available to local governments and nonprofit organizations to support cleanup and recycling projects.

More information on how the Save Our Seas Act became law can be found on this webpage.