Wheeler announces recycling goal: 50% by 2030
By E.A. Crunden and Jacob Wallace | 11/17/20 | E&E News
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler today called on the U.S. to recycle 50% of all materials by 2030.
During EPA's third annual America Recycles Summit, Wheeler insisted recycling was a core part of his agency's duty to protect the environment.
"I completely disagree with the view that recycling is something to be left behind in the 1970s," he said.
Wheeler also outlined the agency's three chief objectives to achieving what he called "50 by 30": reducing contamination in the recycling stream, increasing processing efficiency and strengthening the market for products made from recycled materials.
The agency's draft national strategy, which is open for public comment through Dec. 4, lists efforts EPA can undertake to meet its objectives. They include developing awareness across the recycling stream by educating consumers on how to recycle properly, increasing awareness of public and private funds available for waste processors, and connecting feedstock producers to manufacturers.
Judith Enck, former EPA Region 2 administrator, criticized the goal as "too modest" to confront climate concerns around waste management or to reap the benefits of a comprehensive recycling system.
"We don't have time for timid approaches that don't significantly drive down the generation of waste," Enck said.