Bill would increase national recycling efforts

Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) has introduced legislation that would boost standards for recycling.

Honda’s bill would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to increase the required amount of recycled materials used in packaging. The California Democrat said his measure would help increase the nation’s recycling rate so that less trash is dumped into the ocean.

{mosads}”By encouraging industry to use more recycled materials, we safeguard the sustainable use of our precious natural resources,” Honda said. 

The legislation would further authorize the EPA and Commerce Department to coordinate with industry on the creation of voluntary labels and packaging that gives consumers information on how products can be properly recycled. Honda said educating people about how to recycle would help reduce the amount of debris that litters the environment.

“Making people aware of the problem is the first step. The second is letting people know they can be part of the solution,” Honda said.