We may only be three months into 2017, but the legislative session is already in full swing in the states. While Louisiana doesn't convene until April 10 its legislature has already met for its first special session, and by the end of March eight states will have already finished for the year.
More than 450 bills are already being tracked in
ISRI's State Legislative Tracking System with more arriving every day.
While the states are in session, Capitol Days can be a great way to ensure that policymakers know the industry and are willing to help when recycling legislation arises at the federal, state, or local level.
Pacific Northwest Chapter President Peter Van Houten met with members of the Washington and Oregon legislatures in February, and the
Michigan Chapter hosted a Legislative Reception inside the Michigan Capitol Building on March 23. These events are a great opportunity to introduce legislators to the industry and ISRI, establish and reinforce existing relationships, invite legislators to get a first-hand look at how recycling is Bigger than the Bin with tours of local yards, and discuss issues such as the industry's efforts to combat materials theft and the differentiation between solid waste and recyclable materials. ReMA can help if you are interested in hosting your own outreach; contact
Danielle Waterfield or
Billy Johnson to learn what resources are available to you.
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