NWRA Testifies Against EPR Legislation in Connecticut
Arlington, VA – Lew Dubuque, vice president of chapter management for the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), testified against bills in Connecticut that would establish an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program. In his comments, Dubuque argued that Connecticut’s recycling program is working well and EPR is not needed. Furthermore, the EPR program would shift the costs to the consumer, costing the state’s residents approximately $700 annually per household.
“Connecticut has no significant problems with how recyclables are currently managed,” stated Dubuque. “These additional costs are a new tax on Connecticut’s residents who can’t afford another tax.”
Dubuque suggested that instead of establishing an EPR program, Connecticut should explore minimum content standards legislation. Last year, New Jersey approved legislation that set post-consumer recycled content requirements for plastic, glass, paper containers, packaging materials and trash bags.
“NWRA would support a separate minimum content proposal that was drafted with input from the waste and recycling industry,” said Dubuque. “Considering guidelines that mirror New Jersey’s would jumpstart demand for recycled materials throughout the region while protecting Connecticut’s existing recycling programs and infrastructure.”
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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
Contact
Brandon Wright
National Waste & Recycling Association
bwright@wasterecycling.org
202-364-3706
