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(Washington, DC) – With an eye toward amplifying its voice on Capitol Hill and encouraging engagement in the legislative process, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) recently released a new video, ReMA Advocacy: Become the Voice of the Recycling Industry. The video highlights the importance of recyclers reaching out to their members of Congress to discuss the issues facing the industry.

“The recycling industry is a very powerful voice on Capitol Hill when individual members speak up,” said Scott Horne, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel for ISRI. “ISRI members have great stories to tell and it is an important responsibility to share those stories with members of Congress. Every day decisions are being made in Washington that could impact the recycling industry, and our members need to educate Congress on what it is they do to help the economy and environment, and how the decisions made by the government impact real lives.”

The 3:13 minute video includes interviews with Congressmen John Shimkus (R-IL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), co-chairs of the House Recycling Caucus, discussing the need to hear from constituents about their real-life experiences, how Federal government action or inaction impacts their businesses, and how the recycling industry operates. ReMA members who are active on Capitol Hill also share their stories about why they became involved in the process and why others should too. The video also includes interviews with ReMA government relations staff about the importance of having your voice heard and the advocacy training ReMA provides its members.

In addition to interviews, the video also showcases some of the legislative accomplishments that its members have had an active role in:

• Negotiated Changes to the Definition of Solid Waste: Would have unnecessarily imposed $1.2 billion in annual testing costs.
• Elimination of EPA Restrictions on Aggregate Shredder Residue: Frees up more than 1 million tons of plastics annually from shredder aggregate for recycling.
• Reversed Cell Phone Unlocking Legislation: Permits bulk unlocking of cellphones and other devices to advance legitimate reuse.
• RISE Act: Provide a 50 percent accelerated bonus depreciation for qualified recycling equipment (worth $158 million annually).

The video which will be distributed through ReMA Chapters, social media, and ISRI’s advocacy website is part of an expanded outreach effort by ReMA to connect its members with lawmakers. Earlier this year the organization launched a dedicated website and grassroots training program for Industry Advocates.

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