Recycling and Composting Accountability Act

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve recycling and composting programs in the United States through reports, studies, and data collection. It defines key terms like compost, recyclable material, and recycling, and authorizes $4 million per year from 2025 to 2029 for these activities.

Sec. 2, Definitions: Defines terms used in the bill, including 'Administrator' (EPA Administrator), 'compost' (a product from controlled biological decomposition), 'compostable material' (feedstock like wood, paper, food waste), 'recyclable material' (obsolete or surplus material for reuse), and 'recycling' (processing materials into new products). Also defines 'processing' as transforming recyclable materials into specification-grade commodities.

Sec. 3, Reports on composting and recycling infrastructure capabilities: Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the EPA Administrator to prepare reports and inventories. Within 2 years, a report on composting barriers, infrastructure, costs, and manufacturer practices. Within 3 years, and every 4 years thereafter, an inventory of materials recovery facilities by state and material types. The Administrator must also estimate recycling and composting program numbers, materials accepted, access rates, contamination rates, costs, and benefits. The Administrator may develop standardized recycling rates and provide technical assistance. Reports on end-market sales of recyclable materials and compost are required within 3 years. Confidential information is protected.

Sec. 4, Federal agency activities related to recycling: Requires the Comptroller General to publish a report every 2 years until 2033, detailing federal agency recycling and composting rates, purchases of products with recyclable or compostable materials, activities promoting recycling, and potential improvements.

Sec. 5, Study on the diversion of recyclable materials from a circular market: Requires the Administrator to develop a metric within 1 year to measure recyclable materials diverted from a circular market. Within 1 year after that, a study and report to Congress on the proportion diverted over the prior 10 years, with data on specific materials like aluminum, plastics, paper, textiles, and glass. The report must evaluate if recycling programs would improve rates, reduce unutilized materials, and affect consumer prices.

Sec. 6, Authorization of appropriations: Authorizes $4,000,000 per fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 for the Administrator to carry out the bill.

Sec. 7, Administration: Prohibits the Administrator or Secretary of Commerce from exercising authority that would require a state, local government, or Indian Tribe to carry out an unfunded mandate. Also protects confidential information from public disclosure.