| Congress has introduced legislation focused on improving recycling infrastructure, strengthening material recovery systems, and increasing the availability of recyclable feedstock for American manufacturers. Across multiple industries, there is growing recognition that the current system is not capturing enough valuable material. That conversation is especially important when it comes to beverage containers. Aluminum, PET plastic, and glass beverage containers are among the most valuable recyclable materials in the waste stream. They are also among the most visible forms of litter found in rivers, parks, roadways, and waterways across the country. In Texas, cleanup organizations continue removing enormous quantities of beverage-related waste from places like Buffalo Bayou, local creeks, beaches, and stormwater systems. These materials should not be polluting our waterways or consuming cleanup resources after they are thrown away. They should be recovered and put back into the economy. States that have invested in stronger beverage container recovery systems have demonstrated that high recovery rates are achievable. Oregon’s industry-run, self-funded container redemption system, for example, consistently delivers some of the highest recovery rates in the nation without relying on taxpayer funding. Texas has an opportunity to lead this conversation with practical, market-driven solutions that work for consumers, communities, and industry alike. As the national discussion around recycling continues to evolve, Texans for Clean Water will continue advocating for smarter approaches that keep valuable materials out of our waterways and inside the American economy where they belong. Thank you for standing with us. Joe Trotter Texans For Clean Water | 
