EPA launches $150M recycling-access program for underserved communities
H.R. 2145 — Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 · Filed by Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) · 30 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 14, 2025 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill creates a $30 million annual federal grant program (2025–2029) run by the EPA to help states, local governments, tribes, and public-private partnerships build recycling infrastructure in underserved communities. Grants of $500,000 to $15 million will fund transfer stations, curbside collection expansion, and public-private partnerships to reduce collection costs in areas where recycling is too expensive or unavailable. At least 70% of funds must go to underserved communities, and the federal government covers up to 90% of project costs.
Why we flagged it
The bill establishes a straightforward competitive grant program to fund recycling infrastructure in underserved communities. It is a direct public investment in environmental and waste-management capacity, not a regulatory change or private carve-out.
What the text implies
- Public-private partnerships are eligible entities and may receive up to $15M in federal grants; the bill requires EPA to assess the 'financial health' of private partners but does not prohibit profitable firms from capturing grant value through partnership structures.
- The 90% federal cost-share (waivable for 'financial hardship') may create moral hazard: eligible entities have weak incentive to minimize costs or seek private co-investment if federal funds cover nearly all expenses.
The full analysis lists 5 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
waste management and recycling companies (as private partners in public-private partnerships); construction and engineering firms (infrastructure build-out); state and local governments (grant recipients)