Senate Bill 2689 aims to bolster Texas recycling infrastructure and market development

The Senate Committee on Natural Resources convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 2689, introduced by Senator Hancock, which focuses on enhancing recycling efforts in Texas. The bill aims to develop, promote, and fund various recycling projects in response to the growing demand for recycled materials.

Senator Hancock began by referencing a 2021 report from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which analyzed the state’s recycling landscape based on 2019 data. The report highlighted both opportunities and barriers to improving recycling rates in Texas. Hancock noted that the current demand for recycled products exceeds the available supply, indicating a robust market potential for recycling initiatives.

The proposed legislation includes several key components: it will conduct research to improve recycling infrastructure, prepare reports for future legislative recommendations, support public education campaigns, and administer financial incentives. Additionally, the bill establishes a Recycling Market Advisory Council, which will consist of representatives from various sectors of the recycling supply chain, ensuring diverse input into the program's implementation. A Texas Recycling Fund will also be created to facilitate grants and loans aimed at fostering economic development linked to recycling projects.

Senator Hancock clarified that the committee substitute for the bill ensures that no fees, taxes, or penalties will be imposed on private entities, aiming to protect legitimate businesses while preventing misuse of funds.

The committee heard from several resource witnesses, including representatives from TCEQ, who provided insights into the current recycling challenges and the potential benefits of the bill. Public testimony followed, with speakers expressing strong support for the legislation.

Steve Shannon, a veteran in the solid waste and recycling industry, emphasized the scale of waste generated in Texas, noting that approximately half of the waste currently sent to landfills could be recycled if the necessary infrastructure were in place. He highlighted the economic benefits of recycling, estimating a positive impact of $7.8 billion annually from improved recycling practices.

Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas, pointed out that Texas recycles only about 23% of its waste, significantly lower than the national average. He advocated for expanding access to recycling services, particularly in underserved areas, and stressed the importance of reducing and reusing materials as part of a comprehensive recycling strategy.

Sam Gamage from Dow Chemical and Logan Harrell from the Texas Chemistry Council also voiced their support, emphasizing that the bill is a voluntary initiative designed to enhance recycling infrastructure without imposing additional costs on consumers or businesses.

The committee concluded the session with a discussion on the importance of the bill in addressing Texas's recycling challenges and the potential for economic growth through improved recycling practices. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its implications for the state's environmental and economic landscape.