The Solid Waste Association of North America (“SWANA”) submitted December 4th comments on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) draft document titled:
National Recycling Strategy (“Strategy”)
See Docket No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2020-0462.
SWANA describes itself as:
. . . an organization of more than 10,000 public and private sector professionals committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their shared emphasis on education, advocacy and research.
By way of introduction, SWANA states:
- It supports EPA having an active/visible role at the national level to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system
- The Strategy is a critical component of an expanded role
- Continued/increased engagement on the issue by EPA is necessary
- It supports ensuring coordination of the Strategy across federal agencies
- Other parts of the federal government can have a major impact
SWANA’s comments address in some detail three objectives found in the Strategy, which include:
- Reduce Contamination in the Recycling Stream
- Increase Processing Efficiency
- Improve Markets
SWANA also recommends EPA develop educational materials/briefing documents targeting elected officials. The organization notes:
. . . municipal and state level officials are aware of the challenges facing recycling and are seeking solutions. They also pass legislation to determine recycling goals and requirements that have direct effects on the contents of the National Recycling Strategy. It is important that this segment be specifically included.
Further, SWANA suggests:
- Addressing in the Strategy the collection of recyclable materials
- Improving contracts for recycling facilities
- Ensure the Strategy not penalize or undermine other waste management practices in the waste management hierarchy
A copy of SWANA’s comments can be downloaded here.
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