Environmental efforts key for Biden, but industry expects limited recycling policy movement in 2021

By Megan Quinn | 1/20/21 | Waste Dive

Federal interest in addressing the nation's recycling challenges remains high, but even with new leadership in the Biden administration and Congress, the recycling industry does not expect big changes to come this year. 

The Biden administration’s first environmental priorities are geared more toward broader climate change policy, environmental justice and designating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – sometimes known as “forever chemicals” – as hazardous substances. In Congress, recycling-related bills that didn’t gain traction in 2020 are expected to return, but bandwidth is low as Congress focuses on former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial and issues related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“This will be a year to see a lot of [recycling-related] activity, but I’m not certain I’ll see a lot of action because of other priorities these legislators have,” said David Biderman, executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Read More >>