As we reach the end of another year, policy has shifted to advance our nation’s infrastructure to one that is more circular and focused on recycling and refill.
This December, see what industry experts are saying about upcoming legislation and the steps that are needed to effectively implement new programs.
Send me an email with a topic you’d like to see covered in future editions of Policy Now, or just to discuss current legislative efforts. I look forward to the conversation.
–Stefanie Valentic, Editor, Policy Now at Resource Recycling.
REUSE Act passes US Senate
In a unanimous vote in November, the Research for Environmental Uses and Sustainable Economies (REUSE) Act passed the Senate.
The legislation requires the US EPA to gather data regarding reuse and refill systems across various industries such as consumer packaging, personal care products and wholesale shipping of retail goods.
“For years, we were taught the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle; but too often the reality with plastics is the three Bs – buried, burned, and borne out to sea,” Jeff Merkley, Oregon Senator, said in a statement.
“We are on the way to improving reuse systems as the REUSE Act comes even one step closer to becoming law. When we better understand how reuse and refill systems most effectively operate, we are better able to create a healthier planet and future,” he added.
The agency must also provide guidance on the support needed at the local, state and federal level to advance reuse and refill across the country.
Emerging US EPR programs spark harmonization talks
Seven states enacted laws establishing extended producer responsibility programs for packaging, covering approximately 20% of the nation’s population. Without harmonization of laws from state to state, costs could increase for consumers. In a recent session at RCon, panelists discussed how post-consumer recycled content mandates could be necessary to drive widespread adoption.
Read more at Plastics Recycling Update
US Plastics Pact publishes position paper
The US Plastics Pact published a position paper on physical and chemical recycling for plastic packaging. The Pact supports responsible integration of these technologies, which must complement rather than displace reduction, reuse or mechanical recycling methods. Standardizing terminology, the paper notes, would help ensure clearer discussions and more consistent evaluation of different technologies.
Read more at Plastics Recycling Update
EPR and policy for e-scrap recovery advances
The Re:Source is a new podcast for insights, strategies and stories from the world of materials management, recycling and the circular economy. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, innovators and policy makers who are transforming the way we use, recover, redesign and rethink resources, from breakthrough technologies to successful programs and practical tips.
In this first episode, Resource Recycling sat down with Chris Kaasmann, Greenchip’s vice president of compliance and Jeff Gloyd, founder of Gloyd Recycling Solutions to discuss E-Scrap Conference 2025 and upcoming trends in the industry for 2026.
Canadian PROs harmonize on packaging design
Five Canadian producer responsibility organizations are joining forces to provide harmonized national guidelines for packaging design recyclable by the end of 2026.
The PROs administer EPR programs for packaging in most provinces, with plastics guidance anchored in the Association of Plastic Recyclers Design Guide. Most provinces adopted EPR laws which now cover 99.9% of Canadians.
Read more at Resource Recycling
EU softens ESG rules as compliance pressure builds for US
The European Commission has slowed and softened the rollout of CSRD and CSDDD. The scope has been narrowed, effectively removing many US midmarket companies from immediate reach.
At the same time, the Commission is streamlining the reporting process by cutting redundant disclosures, clarifying how to apply the double materiality test and seeking closer alignment with international frameworks such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. Officials describe these refinements as pragmatic steps to focus on high-quality, verifiable data rather than an unmanageable flood of reports.
Read more at E-Scrap News
