The seventh annual Infrastructure Week began on May 13, and the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is among the more than 500 organizations that have come together under the Infrastructure Week banner to support modernizing the nation’s infrastructure.

“NWRA is proud to support robust investment in our infrastructure. It will make roads and bridges safer for our industry’s workforce and customers, reduce transportation costs and make us more competitive globally,” said Darrell Smith, NWRA president and CEO, in a statement.

“Infrastructure is more than just transportation, though,” continued Smith. “Incentivizing increased domestic recycling capabilities is a vital part of any infrastructure package if we are to ensure the American economy’s continued growth.”

China historically has imported massive quantities of waste materials from the U.S. to be recycled and used in its manufacture of new products. This was a mutually beneficial relationship until China closed its markets to U.S. imports. China’s import ban on recyclable materials coupled with the resurgence of the U.S. manufacturing sector has pushed the need for increased domestic recycling infrastructure to the forefront.

NWRA calls upon Congress and the Trump administration to do everything they can do to implement tax credits, block grants and provide regulatory relief encouraging the development of stronger domestic recycling infrastructure.