S.351 - Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act of 2025; STEWARD Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act of 2025, or STEWARD Act of 2025, aims to improve recycling accessibility and data collection on recycling and composting programs in the United States. It establishes a pilot grant program to fund recycling infrastructure improvements, particularly in underserved communities, using a hub-and-spoke model. The Act also mandates the EPA Administrator to collect and disseminate data on recycling and composting programs, including infrastructure capabilities and recycling rates.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to increase recycling rates and improve waste management practices across the country. It will provide financial assistance to states, local governments, and Indian Tribes to enhance their recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, the data collection requirements will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing programs and inform future policy decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved recycling infrastructure, especially in underserved communities.
- Increased recycling rates and reduced landfill waste.
- Enhanced data collection and reporting on recycling and composting programs.
- Promotion of public-private partnerships to improve recycling accessibility.
- Potential for economic benefits through the creation of recycling-related jobs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative costs associated with establishing and managing the grant program and data collection efforts.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the 18-month timeframe for establishing the pilot grant program.
- Risk that some eligible entities may not have the capacity to effectively utilize grant funds.
- The prohibition on using grant funds for recycling education programs may limit the effectiveness of the program.
- Potential for unfunded mandates on states, local governments, or Indian Tribes if the EPA or Secretary of Commerce exercises authority under the act without providing sufficient funding.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The STEWARD Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote environmental protection and improve public services related to waste management. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The delegation of authority to the EPA Administrator is consistent with established administrative law principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).