Supporting the designation of November 15, 2025, as "America Recycles Day" to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about, recycling, and advance the circular economy.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 885
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-19T13:03:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 885) aims to support designating November 15, 2025, as "America Recycles Day." It seeks to raise public awareness about recycling, including composting and other sustainable practices, and to encourage a national conversation on advancing a circular economy—where materials are reused and waste is minimized to create a more sustainable system.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses outlining background facts and then four main resolved actions:
- Support for the Designation: Expresses official backing for "America Recycles Day" as an annual event on November 15 to promote recycling and circular solutions.
- Celebration of Contributions: Recognizes the role of the American recycling sector, including individuals and communities, in reducing waste, supporting jobs, and fostering sustainability.
- Reaffirmation of Commitment: Reiterates U.S. dedication to policies and investments that enhance recycling, bolster manufacturing, and promote environmental protection.
- Encouragement to Participate: Urges all Americans to adopt habits like reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling materials.
It highlights benefits such as economic contributions (over $168 billion annually and 500,000+ jobs), national security through material reclamation, and environmental gains like energy efficiency and ecosystem preservation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It builds on ongoing recognition of America Recycles Day without creating new legal requirements or altering statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public engagement in recycling through heightened awareness, potentially leading to better personal and community habits for waste reduction and sustainability.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal, state, municipal, and Tribal governments to prioritize recycling investments and policies, possibly influencing future funding or programs without direct mandates.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though promoting a circular economy could indirectly support U.S. leadership in global environmental efforts.
- Overall, the resolution fosters education and collaboration but has no enforceable effects, serving primarily as a symbolic call to action.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Governments: State, municipal, and Tribal entities involved in waste management and environmental policy.
- Nonprofits and Communities: Organizations and local groups focused on education, access to recycling, and sustainable practices.
- Private Sector: Businesses in manufacturing, materials recovery, and supply chains (e.g., metal, paper, glass, plastic, textiles) that benefit from recycling.
- Individuals: Everyday Americans encouraged to participate in reducing, reusing, and recycling.
- Recycling Sector as a Whole: Includes workers and companies contributing to economic and environmental goals, with calls for investment to address gaps in material capture and accessibility.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no force of law, avoiding any constitutional challenges related to enforcement or federal overreach.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express policy preferences and raise awareness on issues like environmental protection, without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for environmental and economic sustainability, potentially signaling momentum for future legislation on recycling infrastructure and circular economy initiatives. It emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders to close accessibility gaps, promoting unity on non-controversial green topics.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-11-17: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-17: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of November 15, 2025, as "America Recycles Day" to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about, recycling, and advance the circular economy. — issued 2025-11-17 — PDF (3 pages)