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# Summary of S. 5302: Truth in Labeling Act of 2026 This bill establishes federal standards for labeling packaging, food service products, and beverage containers as recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable. The law aims to reduce consumer confusion by creating uniform national definitions for these terms and requiring producers to use standardized labels that clearly communicate how items should be disposed of. The Environmental Protection Agency, working with the Federal Trade Commission, must develop standardized on-package labels within two years and regularly update them as recycling technologies evolve. The legislation sets specific criteria for each category: recyclable materials must be collected through programs reaching at least 60 percent of consumers, compostable items must meet industry standards and be accepted by at least 50 percent of composting facilities, and reusable or refillable products must have supporting infrastructure for multiple uses. Producers making false claims about these attributes face Federal Trade Commission enforcement, with penalties starting 18 months after the labeling standards are established, though manufacturers have time to sell existing inventory. The bill establishes an advisory committee including representatives from industry, environmental organizations, material recovery facilities, and government to provide guidance on standards and labels. It also requires the EPA to conduct a nationwide analysis of existing recycling and composting infrastructure and directs federal agencies to develop consumer education materials. Importantly, the law bars energy recovery and fuel conversion from counting as legitimate recycling, and it exempts the advisory committee from standard administrative procedure requirements to speed its work.

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