A cross-industry coalition for modern, national recycling standards that strengthen U.S. manufacturing, build consumer trust in recycling, and reduce plastic waste.
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Plastic plays an essential role in modern life. It keeps food fresh, enables life-saving medical technologies, powers household electronics, makes vehicles lighter and more efficient, and supports countless products Americans rely on every day.
As plastic use continues to evolve, recycling systems must keep pace to ensure materials are responsibly recovered and reused.
Recycling standards were developed decades ago and no longer reflect how products are made or used today — especially when it comes to plastics. As a result, outdated policy frameworks are stifling modern recycling technologies, including those capable of handling a wider range of plastics, and are holding back the economic and environmental benefits they can deliver.
To seize the opportunity to dramatically reduce plastic waste, several foundational challenges must be addressed:
Outdated frameworks that fail to recognize emerging technologies
Regulatory uncertainty that deters investment in modern recycling infrastructure
Declining consumer confidence in recycling labels and claims
With clarity, the U.S. can unlock the next generation of recycling solutions — and the economic and environmental benefits they can deliver.
To build a circular, modern recycling system, the U.S. needs clear, consistent national recycling standards that:
Provide transparency and certainty while boosting innovation
Expand the supply of recycled materials for U.S. manufacturers
Encourage infrastructure and technology investments
Improve recycling rates and keep plastic waste out of landfills and the environment
Modern recycling requires modern rules. Clear national standards can restore trust, unlock innovation, and ensure recycling systems keep pace with the materials and technologies of today.
Follow the RLC for updates on policy developments, coalition news, and opportunities to engage.
