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Sustainable Materials Management

  • National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution

    On November 21, EPA published the "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution," which focuses on actions to eliminate the release of plastic pollution into the environment.

  • EPA Celebrates America Recycles Day

    On November 15, EPA recognizes the importance and impact of recycling, which has contributed to American prosperity and the protection of our environment.

    Read about America Recycles Day.

  • Final National Strategy

    EPA, USDA, and FDA are pleased to announce the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics.”

    • Read the press release.

Basics

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  • Basic Information
  • Resources, Waste, and Climate Change

Topics

This is the sustainable materials management graphic showing materials extraction as the first step, manufacturing is the second step, distribution is the third, usage is the fourth, and end-of-life management is the fifth. The most preferred to least preferred end-of-life management are reuse (most preferred), recycle/compost, energy recovery, and landfills (least preferred).
  • Built Environment
  • Electric Arc Furnace Slag
  • Industrial Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials
  • Packaging

Reports and Tools

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  • Recycled-Content Products
  • Recycling Economic Information Report
  • Past SMM Webinars
  • SMM Prioritization Tools
  • Additional SMM Tools

Related Topics

  • Circular Economy
  • Electronics
  • Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste, and Recycling
  • Food
  • International Initiatives
  • Sustainable Management of Plastics 

Related Resources

  • Model Recycling Program Toolkit
  • National Academies report, Recycled Plastics in Infrastructure: Current Practices, Understanding, and Opportunities
  • National Recycling Strategy
  • Success Stories in Reducing Waste
  • Waste Reduction Model

Stay Informed

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Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 5, 2025
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