Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act of 2024

This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create national plastics recycling standards and set minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging, aiming to boost recycling and develop a circular economy for plastics. It defines advanced recycling as a manufacturing process, not waste disposal, and establishes a committee to advise on standards.

Sec. 3, Definitions: Defines key terms including 'Administrator' (EPA Administrator), 'advanced recycling' as a manufacturing process converting post-use polymers into raw materials via technologies like pyrolysis and gasification (excluding incineration and fuel products), and 'advanced recycling facility' as a manufacturing facility regulated under environmental laws like the Clean Air Act.

Title I, National Plastics Recycling Standards: Requires the EPA to form a 14-member advisory committee within 90 days to study and recommend national plastic recycling standards. The committee includes representatives from waste management, plastic manufacturing, recycling industries, and municipalities. Within 18 months of the committee's report, the EPA must set standards covering feedstock specifications, minimum municipal recycling access, processing requirements, effectiveness metrics, innovative material guidelines, education programs, data collection, and federal grant programs.

Sec. 103, Comparative Study on Carbon Impact of Raw Materials: Directs the EPA to contract with the National Academies to study the lifecycle carbon impact of products made from various raw materials (plastic, bio-based plastic, steel, aluminum, glass, textiles, wood, paper). A report to Congress and agencies is due within 2 years, including findings and recommendations on climate change, knowledge gaps, and consumer education.

Title II, Minimum Mandate for Recycled Plastic: Requires the EPA to set regulations within 180 days mandating a minimum percentage of recycled plastic in marketers' annual plastics packaging portfolios, increasing to 30% by 2030. The EPA must evaluate the percentage every two years based on feedstock supply, recycling capacity, market conditions, and consultations. It defines terms like 'compliance deficit percentage' and 'mandate shortfall'.

Sec. 203, Labeling Compliance and Enforcement: Establishes a plastics recycling accounting and labeling program within 180 days. The EPA oversees marketer certification, publishes basic compliance info (protecting confidential data), and enforces rules with penalties up to $25,000 per day for knowing violations. It also requires recordkeeping and notification to the Federal Trade Commission for mislabeling.

Sec. 204, General Provisions: States that this bill supersedes any state or local laws on recycled content mandates, advanced recycling restrictions, or labeling programs related to recycled plastics. No state can enforce conflicting recycling mandates or standards.