Q&A: Industry at the ‘ceiling’ of what voluntary action can do – Resource-Recycling

Report on The Recycling Partnership and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the U.S. Recycling Sector

Introduction

The Recycling Partnership, founded in 2014 by CEO Keefe Harrison, has played a significant role in advancing recycling access and efficiency in the United States. Supported by major brands, the organization focuses on improving municipal recycling systems through initiatives such as distributing recycling carts, enhancing outreach, and reducing contamination. This report emphasizes the alignment of The Recycling Partnership’s efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Organizational Approach and SDG Alignment

The Recycling Partnership operates on an “insist and assist” model, which combines accountability with support to companies in meeting sustainability goals. This approach directly supports SDG 17 by fostering partnerships between corporations, municipalities, and communities to promote sustainable recycling practices.

Challenges in Meeting Corporate Sustainability Goals

1. Rollback of Commitments: Many brands have announced difficulties in meeting voluntary recycling and recycled content targets set for 2025, with some reporting backsliding. This trend threatens progress toward SDG 12 and SDG 13 as it may lead to increased plastic production and waste.
2. Accountability Gaps: Economic concerns and changes in federal policies have contributed to reduced pressure on companies, resulting in softened commitments. This highlights the need for stronger policy frameworks to sustain progress.

Changing Pressure Dynamics on Companies

• Federal government pressure on companies has decreased, but consumer and state-level demands remain strong, reflecting continued public concern for environmental pollution and climate change (SDG 13).
• The upcoming INC-5.2 meeting on plastics treaty negotiations illustrates ongoing international efforts to address plastic pollution, aligning with SDG 17.

Recycled Content Supply and Demand Issues

There exists a dual challenge in recycled content markets:

• Brands report difficulty in sourcing adequate recycled materials.
• Reclaimers face challenges in providing recycled materials at competitive prices.

This disconnect undermines the circular economy principles central to SDG 12.

Systemic Barriers and the Need for Comprehensive Solutions

1. Gap Analysis: Effective recycling requires addressing five system components: product design, community acceptance, public participation, material recovery facility (MRF) sorting, and end-market development.
2. Limitations of “Silver Bullet” Solutions: Partial or isolated interventions fail to create systemic change, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies.
3. Policy as a Critical Lever: While Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies are expanding, they primarily focus on material collection. Additional policies are necessary to ensure recycled content demand and end-market development.

Corporate Commitment Trends and Future Outlook

• Some companies are lowering recycled content targets and extending deadlines, which may hinder achievement of SDG 12 targets unless accompanied by serious systemic changes.
• The Recycling Partnership has generated approximately $500 million in impact but recognizes a significant funding gap, estimated at $17 billion annually, needed to overhaul the U.S. recycling system.
• Voluntary actions alone are insufficient; robust policy interventions are essential to level the playing field and incentivize recycled content use.

Role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Other Policies

EPR is a vital component of a healthy recycling system but is not a standalone solution. It must be complemented by:

• Recycled content mandates.
• Domestic supply regulations to reduce reliance on imported recycled materials.
• Market development policies to ensure recycled materials are effectively utilized.

These measures support SDG 12 by promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Risks of Expanding EPR Without End-Market Growth

Without simultaneous expansion of end markets for recycled materials, increased supply from EPR programs may lead to material oversupply, frustration among stakeholders, and environmental degradation, counteracting SDG 13 goals. Lessons from electronics recycling demonstrate the importance of aligning collection with market demand.

The Recycling Partnership’s Strategic Actions

1. Conducting policy analysis to identify effective mechanisms for supporting recycled content markets, including credit systems, EPR integration, and tax incentives.
2. Advocating for policy development to ensure recycled materials are utilized effectively.
3. Engaging stakeholders in voluntary initiatives while emphasizing the necessity of policy support.

Vision for the U.S. Recycling Industry in Five Years

The future of the U.S. recycling industry depends on addressing demand-side challenges. Without improvements in recycled content use and end-market development, the sector risks inefficiency, stakeholder dissatisfaction, and environmental harm. The Recycling Partnership plans to:

• Maintain ongoing dialogue with companies and policymakers.
• Launch a task force to evaluate and promote policy solutions.
• Encourage collaboration, rapid learning, and innovation across the recycling network.

These efforts align with SDG 17 by fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing to achieve sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Recycling Partnership’s work highlights the critical intersection of voluntary corporate action and policy frameworks in advancing the U.S. recycling system. Emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly responsible consumption and production, climate action, and partnerships, is essential to overcoming current challenges and achieving a sustainable circular economy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article focuses on recycling, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and the use of recycled content, which are central to sustainable consumption and production patterns.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Concerns about pollution and climate mentioned in the article relate to climate action efforts.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses municipal recycling programs and improving community access to recycling, contributing to sustainable cities and communities.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The Recycling Partnership’s collaboration with brands, municipalities, and governments illustrates multi-stakeholder partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal waste management.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Recycling Rates
   • The article references recycling rates, e.g., the 65% recycling rate target for film and flexible packaging in California, which can be measured by the proportion of waste recycled.
2. Use of Recycled Content in Products
   • Indicators related to the percentage of recycled content used by companies in their products, which is a key measure of circular economy progress.
3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Coverage
   • Percentage of population covered by EPR policies (currently 20% in the U.S.), indicating policy reach and implementation.
4. Investment and Funding Levels
   • Capital expenditure and operating budgets needed for recycling system improvements (e.g., $17 billion capex and operating budget), which reflect financial commitment to sustainability goals.
5. Contamination Rates and Material Quality
   • Implied indicators related to contamination reduction and quality of recyclable material to ensure end markets can absorb recycled materials effectively.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.5: Reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse 12.4: Environmentally sound management of waste 12.2: Sustainable management of natural resources	Recycling rates (e.g., 65% recycling rate target for packaging) Percentage of recycled content used in products Contamination rates in recycling streams
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning	Reduction in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions linked to waste management
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.6: Reduce environmental impact of cities including waste management	Municipal recycling program coverage and effectiveness Waste diversion rates from landfills
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.16: Enhance global partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration	Number and effectiveness of partnerships like The Recycling Partnership Funding and investment levels in recycling initiatives (e.g., $17 billion capex and operating budget)

Source: resource-recycling.com