Plastic Waste Management: Common-Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Energy & Infrastructure
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The Trump administration is committed to addressing plastic pollution through practical, market-driven solutions that prioritize American innovation, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. Our policy ensures that plastics are designed for responsible end-of-life management, with a focus on maximizing Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) recovery (ASTM D5526) to turn waste into a valuable energy resource.

  1. Promoting Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) as the Primary Solution
  • Recognizing that landfills are the most widely used and regulated waste management infrastructure in the U.S., we will optimize their role in energy recovery.
  • Require that all new plastic materials be designed to biodegrade under landfill conditions (ASTM D5526) to enhance methane capture for renewable energy production.
  • Expand investment and tax incentives for LFGTE projects to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid.
  1. Ensuring Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics Work in Landfills
  • PCR is an important step toward sustainability, but its effectiveness is compromised if it does not contribute to responsible waste management.
  • Implement industry standards requiring PCR-based plastics to be designed for biodegradation in landfills to ensure full compatibility with LFGTE systems.
  • Support R&D initiatives for enhancing the landfill biodegradability of PCR plastics while maintaining performance and safety standards.
  1. Moving Beyond Failing Recycling Models
  • Traditional recycling programs have failed to deliver meaningful results, with less than 10% of plastics actually being recycled.
  • Shift focus to real-world solutions that ensure all plastics, including those that cannot be economically recycled, contribute positively to energy recovery.
  • Hold producers accountable for ensuring their products have an effective disposal pathway, prioritizing landfill biodegradation where recycling is impractical.
  1. Regulatory Reform to Encourage Market-Driven Solutions
  • Cut red tape and streamline regulatory pathways for innovative plastic solutions that align with LFGTE objectives.
  • Encourage states to adopt policies that align with landfill biodegradation standards to create a uniform, effective national strategy.
  • Oppose burdensome regulations that stifle American manufacturing while supporting policies that enhance sustainability through economic incentives.
  1. Public and Private Collaboration for Innovation
  • Partner with industry leaders to develop next-generation plastics designed for landfill biodegradation and energy recovery.
  • Invest in educational initiatives to inform businesses and consumers about the benefits of LFGTE-compatible plastics.
  • Promote public-private partnerships to build infrastructure that supports the transition to effective plastic waste management.

The Trump administration believes in practical, results-driven solutions to environmental challenges. By ensuring that all plastics—especially those made with PCR—are designed for landfill biodegradation and energy recovery, we will turn waste into a resource, reduce pollution, and strengthen America’s energy independence. This common-sense approach rejects failed recycling models and embraces innovation, ensuring a sustainable and economically viable future for generations to come.