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Recycling’s Big Year and Even Bigger Future with Ross Eisenberg

The potential for U.S. recycling is great, with the right policies in place.

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What if we could recycle just half of the plastic currently going to landfills?

The answer: 173,000 new jobs, nearly $50 billion in economic output, and a stronger American manufacturing base.

In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn welcomes back Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers™, for a wide-ranging conversation on why recycling is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and manufacturing opportunity hiding in plain sight.

Ross highlights what’s actually working in recycling today, from large-scale facilities turning discarded plastic into new products to advanced technologies that can recover materials once thought to be unrecyclable. He explains why the idea that “recycling doesn’t work” is one of the biggest myths holding back progress.

The conversation also tackles the policy choices shaping the future of recycling, including: 

  • Why flexible, technology-neutral policies matter more than one-size-fits-all mandates 
  • How mass balance works (and why it’s similar to Fair Trade coffee) 
  • What states are getting right—and wrong—on Extended Producer Responsibility 
  • Why a federal definition of advanced recycling as manufacturing could unlock investment nationwide 

Looking ahead, Ross shares what success could look like, from scaling U.S. recycling infrastructure to reaching a global plastics agreement that expands access to waste management for billions of people worldwide. 

And yes, there’s some fun along the way…from K-pop playlists to shark diving and guilty-pleasure reality TV. 

Guest Bios

  • Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers

    As President of America’s Plastic Makers™, Ross oversees a group of nineteen ACC Plastics Division member companies who are working together to maximize the value—and minimize the waste—of one of the most versatile materials on the planet. He also leads ACC’s plastics advocacy at the state, federal and global levels, working across party lines to achieve a more circular and sustainable solution for plastics in society.

    Previously, Ross served as ACC Vice President of Federal Affairs, leading the association’s federal advocacy on major legislation including passage of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the Inflation Reduction Act, and permitting reform.

    For his work on behalf of the business of chemistry, Ross has been recognized as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists, The Washingtonian’s 500 Most Influential People in Washington, DC, and a Leading Association Lobbyist by Association TRENDS and CEO Update in 2023.

  • Mia Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

    Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure. She is passionate about collaboration, clear communication, and engaging audiences to learn more about innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country. Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

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