The American Aluminum Association asks its congressmen for agreements and consistency in its recycling law before the end of 2024.

The Aluminum Association and more than 60 trade associations, corporations and NGOs sent a letter to U.S. Congressional leaders urging passage of two key recycling bills before the end of the year.

The Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act (RIAA) and the Recycling Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) have received bipartisan support, advancing unanimously in the Senate in both the 117th and 118th Congresses.

Charles Johnson, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association has noted that “Increasing and improving recycling of all materials in the United States is beneficial to the economy, the environment and our national supply chains.”

He added: “As major investments in the aluminum industry begin to come online, it is critical that our companies have the materials needed to meet demand. From consumer packaging and automotive to infrastructure and defense applications, infinitely recyclable aluminum is strengthening our economy. We urge Congress to pass both recycling bills to ensure the long-term success of our industry.”

The RIAA proposes a pilot program to improve access to recycling in rural and underserved areas, while the RCAA seeks to establish guidelines for tracking recycling and composting, facilitating improvements through data-driven strategies.

The letter argues:
“Each year, millions of pounds, and billions of dollars worth of valuable recyclable materials, end up in landfills. This includes materials designated as critical by the Department of Defense.

“Beyond the inherent environmental benefits of recycling, manufacturers rely on recycled materials to meet demand in a variety of sectors. More recycling is beneficial for both the planet and the overall manufacturing economy.”

The bills address significant deficiencies in U.S. recycling policies and infrastructure. According to The Recycling Partnership’s 2024 State of Recycling report, only 21% of recyclable materials are collected from households, placing the United States far behind other advanced economies in terms of recycling efficiency.

The coalition, which includes organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Beverage Association, The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), emphasizes that these initiatives will strengthen domestic supply chains and foster a more sustainable economy.

“Together, these bipartisan bills would boost the nation’s recycling capabilities, support a robust, circular economy, and help secure critical supply chains nationwide,” the letter concludes.