Lawler To Improve Recycling Data, Expand Access To Recycling Nationwide With New Bill

Washington, D.C. - 7/31/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gotthiemer (NJ-05) introduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Data Accountability Act, legislation that would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study the feasibility of establishing a standardized national database to better track recycling infrastructure, recyclable materials, material recovery outcomes, landfill diversion, and communities that lack access to recycling services.

Across the country, communities, municipalities, and businesses face challenges caused by limited recycling infrastructure, inconsistent data collection, and gaps in processing capacity. The legislation would help provide a clearer picture of America's recycling system and identify where investments and improvements are needed most.

"Recycling is an important part of protecting our environment, supporting local communities, and ensuring we are making the most of valuable materials. But without accurate, comprehensive data, we cannot effectively address the challenges facing our recycling infrastructure. This legislation will help identify where gaps exist, where capacity needs to be expanded, and how we can build a more efficient and accountable recycling system for communities across the country, including right here in the Hudson Valley," said Congressman Mike Lawler.

"Every family in North Jersey deserves a cleaner environment and a recycling system that actually works. But right now, we're flying blind without reliable, nationwide data to tell us what's working and where the gaps are," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "This commonsense, bipartisan bill will give us a clearer picture of where recycling infrastructure exists, where capacity needs to be expanded, and where new investments can make the biggest difference for our communities. I'm proud to team up with my colleague Mike Lawler to build a more efficient, transparent, and effective recycling system for New Jersey and communities across the country."

Specifically, this legislation would require the EPA to conduct a study examining the feasibility of a national recycling database that would:

• Track recyclable materials, recycling infrastructure capacity, material recovery outcomes, and landfill diversion rates;
• Identify geographic areas with limited access to recycling collection services and processing facilities;
• Catalog major recycling and waste facilities, including facility type, ownership, capacity, materials accepted, and annual throughput;

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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