Today, Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to create a targeted investment tax credit to enhance the nation’s recycling infrastructure, bolster domestic manufacturing, and reduce waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
“We can’t talk about building a 21st-century economy without investing in 21st-century recycling infrastructure,” stated Fitzpatrick. He emphasized that the CIRCLE Act offers a new investment credit to help communities modernize outdated systems, strengthen supply chains, and compete globally. Fitzpatrick described it as “a fiscally smart, environmentally responsible solution.”
Suozzi highlighted his past experience as Mayor and County Executive, noting that local governments often shoulder waste management costs. He remarked that making recycling more accessible could save up to $9.4 billion for local governments and taxpayers by reducing unnecessary landfill use.
The CIRCLE Act proposes a 30% investment tax credit over ten years for qualified investments in recycling infrastructure. Municipalities directly investing in waste reduction will receive rebates, easing financial burdens on taxpayers.
Industry estimates suggest that the act could unlock over $30 billion in economic value, generate more than 200,000 jobs, and prevent 169 million tons of recyclables from ending up in landfills while saving nearly $10 billion for taxpayers.
The bill has support from environmental and industry leaders such as The Recycling Partnership, World Wildlife Fund, the Aluminum Association, and others. Keefe Harrison of The Recycling Partnership stated that “Investing in American recycling infrastructure means investing in the American economy.”
Fitzpatrick continues to lead efforts on bipartisan solutions for modernizing infrastructure and promoting sustainability with the introduction of the CIRCLE Act as part of his agenda for a cleaner and more competitive America.
