Federal
From the trucks on the road to the recycling systems that protect our environment, federal policy shapes how our industry operates. NWRA works every day to help ensure our members’ voices are heard on the issues that matter most. Explore our federal priorities and find out how you can engage with effectively with lawmakers.
Federal Legislative & Regulatory
Waste and Recycling Issues
NWRA advocates for balanced, practical policies that strengthen recycling systems, enhance safety, and support innovation across the waste and recycling industry.
Lithium Batteries
NWRA supports policies that expand safe lithium-ion battery take-back programs, shift disposal costs to producers, and promote a national framework to reduce fires and protect recycling infrastructure.
Download our Lithium Batteries one-sheet.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Although NWRA prefers efforts focused on increasing demand for recyclable materials to allow market forces to incentivize recycling, NWRA also may support the design of EPR programs that allows for input from, and gives priority to, the waste and recycling sector in the distribution of funds. Any successful EPR legislation must take into consideration its impact on collection and processing operations while recognizing contractual relationships and existing industry investments.
Download our Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) one-sheet.
Recycled Materials
NWRA supports the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to advance a National Recycling Strategy and urges Congress and federal regulatory agencies to implement policies that reduce contamination in the recycling stream, increase processing efficiency, encourage development of the domestic market for recycled materials and focus on actions with the greatest overall environmental benefits.
National “Bottle Bill”
NWRA opposes implementation of national “Bottle Bill” legislation that places mandatory tax deposits on single-use plastic and aluminum beverage containers.
Energy Generation
NWRA supports policies encouraging the continued use of landfill-produced methane gas as a renewable energy product, both in electricity and transportation applications, and providing for greater transparency and long-term certainty for our industry under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program.
Food Waste
NWRA supports legislation that establishes grants and loans for facilities to install anaerobic digesters that use food or crop waste to produce energy.
Interstate Waste Restrictions
NWRA opposes efforts to place restrictions on the interstate transfer of waste and recyclables.
Read the NWRA policy position on Interstate Waste Restrictions
Import/Export of Waste and Recycling Materials
NWRA supports the free movement of waste and recycling material across international borders consistent with international agreements.
Privatization of Waste and Recycling Services
NWRA supports the privatization of waste collection services at all levels of government when proposed.
Read the NWRA policy position on Privatization of Waste & Recycling
Federal Legislative & Regulatory
Safety and Health Issues
NWRA works to advance policies and best practices that protect workers, enhance safety on the road and at the job site, and support technologies that make our industry safer and more efficient.
National “Move Over” Laws
NWRA recommends that the federal government enact incentives for states to adopt “Move Over” laws that cover the waste and recycling industry.
Third-Party Distracted Driving
NWRA supports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s efforts to combat distracted driving caused by texting, phone use or alcohol/drugs.
Read the NWRA policy position on 3rd-Party Distracted Driving
Automated Pickup
NWRA believes automated pickup should be encouraged where it is logistically and economically feasible.
Commercial Motor Vehicles
NWRA advocates improving the Compliance, Safety, Accountability’s (CSA) “crash causation” rating system, increasing congressional oversight of the CSA’s Safety Fitness Determination and new vehicle/fuel efficiency grants.
Federal Legislative & Regulatory
Infrastructure Issues
NWRA advocates for federal investments and policies that strengthen the nation’s transportation and infrastructure systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient waste and recycling services.
Surface Transportation Infrastructure
NWRA supports increasing road capacity including a forward-looking view to address future needs.
Federal Legislative & Regulatory
Tax & Tort Reform Issues
NWRA supports fair and reasonable tax and liability policies that recognize the essential nature of waste and recycling services and enable continued investment in equipment, technology, and workforce.
Federal Excise Tax Repeal
NWRA supports repealing the federal excise tax on the first retail sale of all commercial trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) above 33,000 pounds.
Federal Legislative & Regulatory
Workforce Issues
NWRA champions policies and programs that address workforce challenges, support recruitment and retention, and ensure a skilled, safe, and sustainable labor pool for the waste and recycling industry.
Driver Shortage and Workforce Development
NWRA backs increasing federal support for job training programs at the state and local levels as well as for veterans to address the shortages of commercial vehicle drivers, mechanics and welders.
Read the NWRA policy position on the Driver Shortage & Workforce Development
Joint-Employer
NWRA supports codifying that companies cannot be held responsible for labor violations committed by their contractors and opposes a return to the joint-employer standard set by the National Labor Relations Board’s Browning-Ferris decision.
Hosting Representatives
How to Host Your Lawmaker
Engaging with your elected officials is one of the most effective ways to shape policy and highlight the essential work of the waste and recycling industry.
Hosting a legislator at your facility gives them a first-hand look at the challenges, innovations, and contributions of your operations.
Why It Matters:
- Helps lawmakers understand the impact of their decisions on your business and the industry.
- Strengthens relationships between your company, your community, and policymakers.
- Provides an opportunity to showcase safety, sustainability, and innovation in action.
Next Steps:
NWRA members have access to detailed guidance and planning resources to make hosting a legislator straightforward and effective.