IBWA Members Visit Capitol Hill to Advance Bipartisan Recycling Legislation and Greater Access to Healthy Hydration Options

IBWA Members Visit Capitol Hill to Advance Bipartisan Recycling Legislation and Greater Access to Healthy Hydration Options

International Bottled Water Association | MEDIA RELEASE | June 3, 2026

Washington, D.C. -- Members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) are on Capitol Hill today, meeting with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss a range of critical industry issues including recycling, healthy hydration, and labeling. The meetings are part of IBWA's ongoing efforts to engage policymakers on issues affecting the bottled water industry and the millions of Americans who rely on bottled water every day.

Among the top priorities is advancing bipartisan federal recycling legislation that would strengthen America's recycling infrastructure nationwide. IBWA members are urging lawmakers to support the Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act (RIAA), which recently passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce following a markup. The legislation also integrates provisions from the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) and is designed to expand recycling access, strengthen and improve recycling data collection across the country.

IBWA has long championed the STEWARD Act of 2025, which contains identical language to the RIAA and passed the Senate late last year. Today's Hill visits build on that momentum, with industry leaders pressing for swift action by the full House of Representatives.

IBWA President and CEO Matt Herrick released the following statement:

"IBWA commends committee leadership and the many bipartisan cosponsors for elevating this issue as a national priority, and we urge the full House to pass this bill in the coming weeks to bring transformative recycling solutions to consumers across the country. This bill expands access, improves infrastructure, and strengthens accountability in recycling programs-commonsense steps that will make a meaningful difference on the ground."

- Matt Herrick, President & CEO, International Bottled Water Association

In addition to recycling infrastructure, IBWA members highlighted the importance of expanding access to healthy, affordable hydration options for consumers across the country in alignment with federal nutrition guidance.

"Water plays a critical role in supporting health and wellness. We look forward to working with policymakers and stakeholders to expand access to healthy, affordable hydration options and encourage Americans to choose water first," said Herrick.

IBWA continues to support efforts to promote healthy hydration as a National Strategic Partner for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). This work is part of the public-private effort led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advance the DGAs and evidence-based recommendations that encourage healthy beverage choices such as water.

IBWA's meetings with policymakers today, reflect the association's ongoing commitment to engaging Congress on issues that affect the bottled water industry and the millions of consumers who rely on it.

For more information about bottled water, visit IBWA's website: https://www.bottledwater.org.

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Media Contact:
Jill Culora
[email protected]
703.647.4609

About the International Bottled Water Association

Founded in 1958, IBWA is the leading voice for the bottled water industry, which supports more than 617,000 jobs that generate $42.5 billion in wages and $163 billion in overall U.S. economic impact. IBWA provides members with professional services focused on advocacy, communications, technical services, and education to advance safe, healthy hydration and sustainable business practices. IBWA's membership consists of bottlers, distributors, and suppliers across the U.S. and around the world working to deliver the #1 packaged beverage to consumers everywhere. For more information about IBWA, please visit www.bottledwater.org.

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