National Laws and Regulations on Recycling

On the national stage recycling is enforced and encouraged by the Enivronmental Protection Agency (EPA). Though the EPA can promote events, supply information, and help guide those interested in recycling but not aware of how to be a part of it in their local area, they are not given the power to enforce federal laws on recycling.

Laws of this nature fall to a state-by-state basis. Examples of these laws can be found below.

Container Deposit Legislation

Recycling in the United States has made much progress over the years, thanks in large part to the regulations enforced on the action. Most famously is several states' use of what is known as a "Bottle Bill." In order to get citizens to take that little bit of extra effort to recycle, a slight refund is rewarded to them in exchange for dropping off used beverage containers, such as bottles or cans. The reward is usually minor, ranging from about five cents to ten cents, however, the compensation has been shown to work particularly well in cities due to their high rate of consumption of such products, specifically Philadelphia which is currently ranked #1 in the nation in recycling.

Landfill Bans

Regulations are commonly placed on what items are exempt from being recycled. Many states have tried to eliminate enumerated items from being deposited, either due to the inability to benefit the environment with the deposited item or because it can be more easily recycled through community programs.