Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act of 2025; STEWARD Act of 2025
Summary
The Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act of 2025, also known as the STEWARD Act of 2025, aims to improve recycling accessibility and data collection across the United States. It establishes a pilot grant program to fund recycling infrastructure improvements, particularly in underserved communities. The Act also mandates the EPA to collect and disseminate data on recycling and composting programs.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased recycling rates and improved infrastructure for recycling and composting. It will also provide better data on recycling and composting practices nationwide. This data can inform future policy decisions and help optimize resource management.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accessibility to recycling services, especially in underserved communities.
- Creation of jobs in the recycling and composting industries.
- Reduction of waste sent to landfills.
- Improved environmental quality through increased recycling and composting.
- Better data collection and analysis to inform future recycling and composting efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- The Act relies on voluntary participation from states, local governments, and Indian Tribes for data collection, which may limit the comprehensiveness of the data.
- The administrative costs associated with the pilot grant program could reduce the amount of funding available for actual projects.
- The Act prohibits the use of grant funds for recycling education programs, which could limit the effectiveness of the infrastructure improvements.
- The Act does not address the demand side of recycling, such as creating markets for recycled materials.
- Potential for increased costs to local governments and taxpayers to meet the requirements of the Act.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The STEWARD Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. 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 Constitution or its amendments. The Act empowers the EPA to administer grants and collect data, which falls under the enumerated powers of Congress to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare.
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).