US Federal House Bill HB2145

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/26
• Introduced: 3/14/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025

Summary

HB2145, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025, would create a pilot grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency to improve access to recycling services in underserved communities. The bill directs the EPA Administrator to establish the program within 18 months and award competitive grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and public-private partnerships for projects that expand recycling infrastructure using a hub-and-spoke model. The bill defines key terms such as curbside recycling, materials recovery facilities, transfer stations, recyclable materials, and underserved communities. It prioritizes projects in areas with limited nearby recycling processing capacity, especially communities with no more than one materials recovery facility within a 75-mile radius. Eligible uses of funds include building or expanding transfer stations, expanding curbside collection where appropriate, and supporting public-private partnerships to reduce collection and transportation costs. The bill expressly prohibits use of grant funds for recycling education programs.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new federal grant program under EPA authority and create a targeted funding stream for recycling infrastructure in underserved areas. It would not directly mandate state recycling programs, but it would affect states, local governments, tribes, and public-private partnerships by making them eligible for federal grants and by encouraging infrastructure investments that could expand access to recycling services. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, sets grant minimums and maximums, limits the federal share to 90 percent unless waived for hardship, and requires EPA reporting to Congress on implementation and outcomes.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests strong bipartisan support and little visible opposition: the bill was ordered reported by a 48-0 vote. The sponsorship also reflects bipartisan backing, with members from both parties listed as introducers. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader controversy or support beyond the unanimous committee action.

Contention

The bill’s main policy choices appear to be around how to target limited federal funds. It prioritizes communities with very limited nearby materials recovery capacity and sets aside at least 70 percent of funding for single or multiple underserved communities, which may be viewed as favoring rural or geographically isolated areas. The bill also excludes recycling education programs from eligible uses, which could be a point of disagreement for those who see education as part of improving recycling rates. Another possible issue is the emphasis on public-private partnerships and the requirement that EPA consider the financial health of the private partner, which may raise questions about risk allocation and program administration.