S-351 : Still Just a Bill

The Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act of 2025 (STEWARD Act of 2025) or S. 351 aims to improve recycling and composting efforts in the United States through the following measures:

• Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements:
  • Establishes a pilot grant program, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Program, to award competitive grants to eligible entities (States, local governments, Indian Tribes, and public-private partnerships) to enhance recycling accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
  • Prioritizes projects that improve access to recycling services in areas with limited existing recycling facilities.
  • Allows grant funds to be used for increasing transfer stations, expanding curbside recycling collection, and leveraging public-private partnerships.
  • Sets grant amounts between $500,000 and $15,000,000, with a focus on funding projects in underserved communities.
• Recycling and Composting Data Collection:
  • Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect and disseminate data on recycling and composting programs in the U.S.
  • Mandates reports on composting and recycling infrastructure capabilities, including evaluations of existing laws, descriptions of composting infrastructure, estimates of costs for expanding programs, and reviews of compostable packaging.
  • Directs the EPA to prepare an inventory of materials recovery facilities and collect data on recycling and composting systems.
  • Requires the Comptroller General to report on Federal agency recycling and composting rates.
  • Instructs the Administrator to study the diversion of recyclable materials from a circular market.

The bill authorizes appropriations for both the pilot grant program and the data collection activities.