Sponsors (2)
The bill directs analysis and guidance to support reuse/refill systems—potentially expanding access and local jobs and improving planning—while creating possible costs for taxpayers and businesses and risking uneven adoption across communities.
Consumers in low-income and rural communities: May gain improved access to reusable and refill options through evaluation of equitable distribution methods.
State and local policymakers: Receive actionable guidance identifying needed local, State, and Federal supports to expand reuse/refill programs.
Businesses and workers (especially small-business owners): Could see new job-creation opportunities from expanded reuse/refill systems that support local employment.
Taxpayers and governments at all levels: Preparing the required analyses and implementing recommendations could create new program costs or subsidies funded by taxpayers.
Small businesses: May face compliance or transition costs if recommendations lead to regulatory changes that favor reuse/refill systems.
Low-income and rural communities: Could continue to experience uneven service if the bill only produces nonbinding recommendations and adoption is inconsistent.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires EPA to publish a report within two years assessing feasibility, costs, equity, and best practices for reuse and refill systems across selected sectors.
Official title: Require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare a report on reuse and refill systems, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 18, 2025 by Jeff Merkley · Last progress November 20, 2025
Requires the EPA Administrator to publish a public report within two years evaluating the feasibility, benefits, costs, barriers, and best practices for reuse and refill systems (reusable or refillable products and beverage containers) across sectors such as food service, consumer goods, cleaning and personal care, shipping, and educational institutions. The report must define reuse/refill systems, examine different system types and scales, consider equity and job impacts, analyze economic effects for businesses and waste managers, identify needed federal/state/local supports, and consult with relevant stakeholders and existing programs.