Revitalizing municipal solid waste recycling: Review of current U.S. policies and potential directions for the circular economy

Edited by: NATHAN DANIEL BRADSHAW 1 AND LAURA SHUPP2

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) recycling is a pivotal pillar in waste reduction and sustainable resource management. However, the United States (U.S.) is behind its schedule for the national recycling rate goal of 50% by 2030, which California is almost achieving. To this end, we review and compare the national and California recycling policies. Our analysis reveals that while there have been some positive changes toward sustainable waste management practices, significant gaps remain, particularly in the lack of a comprehensive national recycling law. The current federal allocation of funds has also been inadequate for achieving the national goal. Therefore, we identify policy options to grow toward a national policy and funding for recycling infrastructure and education. Using California as a model, we provide federal law options to balance recyclable supply and demand. These options are paired with future U.S. MSW policy and research directions.

Highlights

1. Only about one-third of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in the U.S. is recycled.

2. Despite gradually growing interest in recycling, the U.S. does not have a federal recycling policy.

3. We review current effective recycling policies in California that federal policymakers can implement nationwide.

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