ZERO WASTE Act

3/8/2023, 7:58 PM

Zeroing Excess, Reducing Organic Waste, And Sustaining Technical Expertise Act or the ZERO WASTE Act

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish grant programs for reducing waste.

Specifically, the EPA must establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations and state, local, and tribal governments for projects that utilize specified zero-waste practices. Zero-waste means the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without (1) burning or otherwise destroying embodied energy; and (2) a discharge to land, water, or air that results in adverse human health or environmental effects.

In addition, the EPA must establish a program to award grants for developing and implementing new requirements that reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills.

The ZERO WASTE Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 2101, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to reduce waste and promote recycling and composting in the United States.

The bill includes several key provisions aimed at achieving this goal. One of the main components of the ZERO WASTE Act is the establishment of a national recycling and composting goal. This goal would require the country to recycle or compost at least 50% of its waste by the year 2030.

In order to help achieve this goal, the bill also includes provisions for funding and grants to support recycling and composting programs at the state and local levels. This funding would be used to invest in infrastructure, education, and outreach efforts to increase recycling and composting rates across the country. Additionally, the ZERO WASTE Act includes measures to promote the use of recycled materials in manufacturing and packaging. This would help reduce the amount of waste generated by businesses and consumers, and encourage the use of more sustainable materials in products. Overall, the ZERO WASTE Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling and composting in the United States. If passed, this bill has the potential to have a significant impact on the country's waste management practices and help move towards a more sustainable future.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 2101

Introduced on
2021-03-19

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/19/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Zeroing Excess, Reducing Organic Waste, And Sustaining Technical Expertise Act or the ZERO WASTE Act

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish grant programs for reducing waste.

Specifically, the EPA must establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations and state, local, and tribal governments for projects that utilize specified zero-waste practices. Zero-waste means the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without (1) burning or otherwise destroying embodied energy; and (2) a discharge to land, water, or air that results in adverse human health or environmental effects.

In addition, the EPA must establish a program to award grants for developing and implementing new requirements that reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills.

The ZERO WASTE Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 2101, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to reduce waste and promote recycling and composting in the United States.

The bill includes several key provisions aimed at achieving this goal. One of the main components of the ZERO WASTE Act is the establishment of a national recycling and composting goal. This goal would require the country to recycle or compost at least 50% of its waste by the year 2030.

In order to help achieve this goal, the bill also includes provisions for funding and grants to support recycling and composting programs at the state and local levels. This funding would be used to invest in infrastructure, education, and outreach efforts to increase recycling and composting rates across the country. Additionally, the ZERO WASTE Act includes measures to promote the use of recycled materials in manufacturing and packaging. This would help reduce the amount of waste generated by businesses and consumers, and encourage the use of more sustainable materials in products. Overall, the ZERO WASTE Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling and composting in the United States. If passed, this bill has the potential to have a significant impact on the country's waste management practices and help move towards a more sustainable future.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to award grants for projects that are consistent with zero-waste practices, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Environmental Protection

Potential Impact
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Air quality
Biological and life sciences
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Environmental education
Environmental technology
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Manufacturing
Marketing and advertising
Product development and innovation
Solid waste and recycling
State and local government operations
Wages and earnings

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/10/2021

Zeroing Excess, Reducing Organic Waste, And Sustaining Technical Expertise Act or the ZERO WASTE Act

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish grant programs for reducing waste.

Specifically, t...


Latest Action3/22/2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change.