The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development (STEWARD) Act, legislation aimed at improving recycling systems across the country. The bill, led by Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Co-Chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senator Boozman commented on the passage: “I am pleased to see the STEWARD Act pass the Senate with bipartisan support and move one step closer to becoming law. This legislation represents a strong commitment to enhancing and modernizing recycling access initiatives nationwide, which can particularly benefit underserved areas. I urge my colleagues in the House to approve this win-win for sustainability and economic development.”
The STEWARD Act was previously advanced by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in February. The bill proposes improvements to national recycling and composting systems and would create a pilot program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program would provide competitive grants to communities seeking better access to recycling services.
The next step for the legislation is review by members of the House of Representatives.
