S. 351: STEWARD Act of 2025
Sponsor
Shelley Capito
Republican · WV
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Nov 20, 2025
Passed the Senate, received in House
Why it matters
America’s recycling rates have stagnated—this bill could kickstart real progress.
The STEWARD Act of 2025 creates a pilot grant program to improve access to recycling and composting, and directs the EPA to gather and share better data nationwide. Lawmakers want to help states, cities, tribes, and even public-private partnerships upgrade recycling systems that millions rely on—or wish they could.
If passed, the bill opens up grants for local governments and tribes to start or expand curbside pickup, recycle more materials, and build new infrastructure. Data collection is a key part: Communities and the federal government would finally get clearer metrics on what’s recycled, where gaps exist, and what needs fixing.
The measure responds to growing criticism that America’s recycling system is patchy and inefficient, with many towns lacking even basic curbside services. By nudging public-private partnerships and requiring better data, Congress signals it's ready for systemic change—not just local fixes.
What does S. 351 do?
Pilot Grant Program for Recycling
Creates grants for states, local governments, tribes, and public-private partnerships to improve recycling access and infrastructure.
EPA Must Boost Recycling Data
Requires the EPA to collect, analyze, and share detailed data on recycling and composting nationwide.
Expanded Access to Curbside Recycling
Encourages more communities to implement or upgrade curbside pickup for recyclable materials.
Public-Private Partnership Support
Allows public-private groups to apply for grants, spurring innovation and shared responsibility.
Focus on Indian Tribes
Makes Indian Tribes eligible for grants to help address recycling challenges in tribal communities.
Who benefits from S. 351?
Local Governments
Get funding to expand or launch recycling and composting programs.
Tribal Communities
Gain resources to set up or improve recycling infrastructure on tribal lands.
Households
Benefit from improved, more accessible recycling services in their neighborhoods.
Recycling Companies
Potential for more business and partnership opportunities through new local projects.
Who is affected by S. 351?
Small Towns and Rural Areas
Often lack recycling access; now new funding may allow service for the first time.
Environmental Advocates
Get new data and federal buy-in for nationwide recycling improvements.
Taxpayers
Could see tax-funded local upgrades—but also potential cost savings from more efficient waste management.
Waste Haulers
May see new opportunities—or new requirements—as recycling expands locally.
S. 351 Common Questions
How much are STEWARD Act recycling grants?
Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 2), pilot grants must be at least $500,000 and no more than $15,000,000 per project.
Does the STEWARD Act require a local match for recycling grants?
Yes. Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 2), the federal share may cover no more than 95% of project costs, so applicants generally must provide at least 5%.
Can public-private partnerships apply for STEWARD Act recycling grants?
Yes. Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 2), public-private partnerships, and entities seeking to establish them, are eligible for the pilot grant program.
Can Indian Tribes get recycling grants under the STEWARD Act?
Yes. Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 2), Indian Tribes are specifically listed as eligible entities for recycling infrastructure and access grants.
What communities get priority for STEWARD Act recycling grants?
According to S351 Section 2, priority goes to communities with not more than 1 materials recovery facility within a 75-mile radius.
How much STEWARD Act funding must go to underserved communities?
Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 2), at least 70% of annual grant funds must be used for projects in single or multiple underserved communities.
Can STEWARD Act grant money be used for recycling education programs?
No. Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 2), grant funds may not be used for recycling education programs.
How much money does the STEWARD Act authorize for recycling grants each year?
According to S351 Section 2, the bill authorizes $30,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 for the pilot grant program.
Does the STEWARD Act make states report recycling data every two years?
Yes. Under the STEWARD Act of 2025 (Section 3), EPA must collect voluntary recycling data from States on a biannual basis to help develop standardized diversion estimates and a national recycling rate.
Can recycling business data collected under the STEWARD Act be kept confidential?
Yes. According to S351 Section 3, information collected is exempt from public disclosure if it qualifies under FOIA exemption rules in 5 U.S.C. 552(b).
Based on S. 351 bill text
S351 Legislative Journey
Passed 8395-8398
Nov 20, 2025
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S8395-8398; text: CR S8395-8398)
+4 more actions this day
Committee Action
Feb 5, 2025
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Capito without amendment. Without written report.
Committee Action
Jan 30, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
About the Sponsor
Shelley Capito
Republican, WV · 25 years in Congress
Committees: Environment and Public Works, Rules and Administration, Appropriations
View full profile →
Cosponsors (2)
This bill has 2 cosponsors: 1 Democrat, 1 Republican, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 2 states: Arkansas, Rhode Island.
Committee Sponsors
Environment and Public Works Committee
2 of 19 committee members cosponsored
9 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does S. 351 change?
1 changes
Sections Amended
Section 1001 of Solid Waste Disposal Act (Public Law 89-272; 90 Stat. 2795; 98 Stat. 3268)
inserting after the item relating to section 4010 the following: ``Sec
S. 351 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Environment and Public Works
- Chamber
- Senate
- Policy
- Environmental Protection
- Introduced
- Jan 30, 2025
Passed the Senate, received in House
Nov 20, 2025
Constituent Resources
S. 351 Bill Text
“To establish a pilot grant program to improve recycling accessibility, to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out certain activities to collect and disseminate data on recycling and composting programs in the United States, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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