Bill Summary
This legislation is a resolution supporting the establishment of November 15, 2025, as "America Recycles Day." Its purpose is to raise awareness about recycling and promote discussions on recycling practices, ultimately advancing the circular economy in the United States.
The resolution highlights the importance of recycling in reducing waste, improving materials management, and bolstering American manufacturing, which supports over 500,000 jobs and contributes significantly to the national economy. It emphasizes that recycling enhances national security by reclaiming critical materials and strengthens economic competitiveness by fostering domestic manufacturing and improving supply chain resilience.
Furthermore, the resolution calls for increased public awareness and participation in recycling initiatives, acknowledging the diverse stakeholders involved in promoting recycling and circular solutions. Despite progress, it notes the need for further investment in recycling infrastructure to ensure accessibility and effectiveness across all communities.
In summary, the resolution expresses support for America Recycles Day, celebrates the contributions of the recycling sector, reaffirms the U.S. commitment to enhancing recycling policies, and encourages all Americans to actively engage in reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation designating November 15, 2025, as "America Recycles Day" could affect people:
1. **Increased Public Awareness and Participation**: The resolution aims to raise awareness about recycling and the circular economy, which may lead to more individuals participating in recycling programs. This increased awareness could result in higher recycling rates in communities, thereby reducing waste and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. People may become more conscious of their consumption habits and actively seek to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials in their daily lives.
2. **Job Creation and Economic Impact**: By celebrating and promoting the American recycling sector, the resolution highlights its importance in supporting over 500,000 jobs and contributing significantly to the national economy ($168 billion). This emphasis could encourage investments in recycling infrastructure and jobs, leading to new employment opportunities in local communities. Individuals could benefit from stable, good-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing sectors, fostering economic growth.
3. **Improved Access to Recycling Programs**: The resolution acknowledges the need for significant investment to improve recycling access and close gaps for all communities. As a result, local governments and organizations might be motivated to enhance recycling programs, making them more accessible to underserved populations. This could lead to increased participation in recycling initiatives, allowing more people to engage in sustainable practices and benefit from the environmental and economic advantages of recycling.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 885 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 885
Supporting the designation of November 15, 2025, as ``America Recycles
Day'' to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about,
recycling, and advance the circular economy.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 17, 2025
Ms. Stevens (for herself, Ms. Pingree, Mrs. Miller-Meeks, Mr. Joyce of
Ohio, Mr. Carson, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Correa, Ms. Dean of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Lawler, and Mr. Smith of Washington)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Supporting the designation of November 15, 2025, as ``America Recycles
Day'' to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about,
recycling, and advance the circular economy.
Whereas, every year on November 15, the United States recognizes America
Recycles Day to promote recycling, including composting and other
circular solutions;
Whereas recycling reduces waste, improves responsible materials management, and
bolsters American manufacturing that supports good-paying jobs;
Whereas the American recycling sector involves materials across every supply
chain, including metal, paper, glass, plastic, and textile, that are
essential to the modern economy;
Whereas the American recycling sector contributes more than $168,000,000,000 to
the national economy and supports over 500,000 jobs across the United
States;
Whereas the American recycling sector enhances national security through the
reclamation and reuse of critical materials essential to the national
defense;
Whereas the American recycling sector strengthens economic competitiveness by
supporting domestic manufacturing, creating local jobs, and improving
supply chain resilience;
Whereas recycling and circular economy practices promote environmental
sustainability by reducing harmful waste, improving energy efficiency in
manufacturing, and preserving natural ecosystems;
Whereas public awareness and participation in recycling is essential to
achieving a more sustainable and circular future for all Americans;
Whereas the American recycling sector is made up of stakeholders, including
State, municipal, and Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations,
private sector partners, communities, and individuals, working together
to improve recycling access, education, and circular solutions; and
Whereas, despite recent progress in recycling and materials recovery, the United
States still requires significant investment to fully capture recyclable
materials, build circular economies, and close accessibility gaps for
all communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses support for the designation of ``America
Recycles Day'';
(2) celebrates the contributions of the American recycling
sector, including individuals and communities, in promoting
recycling and advancing a circular economy;
(3) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to
advancing policies and investments that improve recycling to
support American manufacturing and environmental
sustainability; and
(4) encourages all Americans to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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