Lake County Times

U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) has announced the relaunch of the House Recycling Caucus for the 119th Congress. Joyce will serve as Co-Chair alongside Representatives Haley Stevens (MI-11), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01). The caucus aims to inform House members and policymakers about recycling industry issues and highlight its economic and environmental benefits.

“Recycling is a critical tool for reducing pollution in our environment while also contributing to the job market and economy,” said Congressman Joyce. “The national recycling rate is barely over thirty percent, largely because rural communities lack access to recycling infrastructure, which prevents them from participating in the circular economy. As Co-Chair of the Recycling Caucus, I plan to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance initiatives focused on expanding access to recycling in rural communities in OH-14 and across the country, as well as continuing to educate policymakers on Capitol Hill about the benefits of the process.”

Congresswoman Stevens noted, “Recycling is much more than just the blue bin — it’s key to protecting our environment, strengthening Michigan manufacturing, and powering local economies. In Michigan alone, the industry generates nearly $5 billion annually and supports thousands of good-paying jobs across sectors. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Recycling Caucus, I’m committed to advancing circular solutions for everything from industrial metals to plastics to hard-to-reach recyclables.”

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks added her support: “I’m proud to join the bipartisan House Recycling Caucus because Iowa’s farmers, families, and businesses know the value of using resources wisely. Strengthening America’s recycling infrastructure isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for our economy and national security. By improving access and innovation in recycling, we can reduce waste, create jobs, support American manufacturers who rely on these materials, and keep more of our supply chain here at home instead of overseas. This will help decrease our reliance on foreign sources of primary materials and ensure our communities thrive for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Pingree pointed out ongoing challenges: “The U.S. generates over 292 million tons of household and commercial waste every year, yet only 32% is recycled. That’s a huge problem—and exactly why having a bipartisan Recycling Caucus is so important. Through my work as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee and as Chair and Founder of the Congressional Slow Fashion Caucus, I’ve seen how smart recycling policies can reduce waste, create jobs, and prevent pollution. We have the resources and expertise to be a global leader in recycling, but we have to have the political will to take on that responsibility. I’m very much looking forward to working with my colleagues to make that case to the American people—and to create the kinds of policies that put us on the cutting edge of sustainability.”

Joyce has represented Ohio's 14th district since 2013 after succeeding Steve LaTourette. He was born in Cleveland in 1957 and lives in South Russell. He graduated from University of Dayton with a BS in 1979 before earning his JD there in 1982.