WASHINGTON— More than 180 recycling and reuse companies, environmental education organizations, and plastic pollution, climate justice, and environmental organizations from across the country are calling on legislators to support the Research for Environmental Uses and Sustainable Economies (REUSE) Act of 2025.

The REUSE Act, introduced by Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and West Virginia’s U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a feasibility study on reuse and refill systems in different sectors, such as consumer packaging, personal care products, and wholesale shipping of retail goods.

In a letter sent to every U.S. senator today, signatories urged lawmakers to cosponsor the REUSE Act to address the global crisis that alters entire ecosystems, kneecaps the ability to fight climate change, and affects the health and livelihoods of millions of people.

The REUSE Act also directs the EPA to assess how local, state and federal governments can support reuse and refill systems. Under the bill, the agency would also evaluate workforce development opportunities. This critical data will help stakeholders harness the environmental benefits and economic potential of reuse and refill systems.

“While we know reuse is necessary to stop the plastic crisis that's choking our environment, this research could show us how to scale it in an equitable, community-led way,” said Kelley Dennings, a senior campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Reuse is a chance to engage worker-owned businesses in transforming waste management in a way that puts people first, keeps costs low, protects the environment, and supports Main Street instead of Wall Street.”

Reuse delivers meaningful economic benefits. U.S. communities currently spend $11.5 billion on litter cleanups each year, with foodservice packaging accounting for 67% of that cost. Reuse systems reduce these costs while also creating jobs. Reuse programs can generate more than 30 times more jobs than disposal facilities, which is more than double the number created by recycling.

Every day the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic waste are dumped into the world’s oceans and waterways. Of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the U.S. in 2021, only 5% to 6% — or about 2 million tons — was recycled. Instead, more Americans are rejecting single-use plastic and embracing reusable alternatives for packaging, foodware and shipping.

“As the plastic pollution crisis intensifies, we see growing consequences for our oceans and our health,” said Christy Leavitt, senior campaign director at Oceana. “Reusable and refillable alternatives offer a sustainable solution — one that an overwhelming majority of U.S. voters support through increased use of reusable packaging and foodware. We call on senators on both sides of the aisle to support the bipartisan REUSE Act, led by Senators Merkley and Capito.”

Reuse offers a pathway to systemic change, preventing the crisis from worsening and building a more sustainable economy. This can include reusable to-go containers, shampoo bottles, cleaning products or shipping boxes.

“Reusable packaging is a proven, scalable solution to the plastic pollution crisis. It not only slashes waste and carbon emissions but also helps prevent the generation of microplastics, one of the most persistent and harmful forms of pollution once released into our environment,” said Paulita Bennett-Martin, senior strategist for policy initiatives at The 5 Gyres Institute. “With more than 181 organizations joining this call to action, this legislation marks a critical, bipartisan step toward protecting our planet, safeguarding public health, and building a stronger, more sustainable economy.”