NWRA applauds introduction of Mckinley/Tonko PPP Flexibility bill

Would amend the CARES Act to allow PPP loan recipients to pay for waste and recycling collection services 

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) applauds House introduction of bipartisan legislation that would help provide relief to the waste and recycling industry from potentially onerous customer bad debt. The bill would increase the Paycheck Protection Program’s (PPP) flexibility by including payments for waste and recycling collection services for purposes of calculating the eligible amount for forgiveness of indebtedness under a PPP loan.

Representative David McKinley (R-WV-1) and House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) along with Ranking Member John Shimkus (R-IL-15), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-9) and the full committee’s Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6) are the bill’s original sponsors.

“We thank Congressmen McKinley and Tonko, along with the rest of the sponsors, for introducing this NWRA-originated bill to amend the CARES Act to allow PPP funds to be used by businesses to pay for their waste and recycling collection services,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “The private sector waste and recycling industry is essential to preventing the spread of disease and illness, especially now during the COVID-19 crisis.We call on the House to swiftly pass this bill and for the Senate to introduce companion legislation.”

NWRA conceived the idea, drafted the legislative language and advised these congressional offices on the need for relief from bad debt. NWRA also has conducted more than 100 teleconferences with congressional staff to urge support and seek additional House members to sign on to the bill as cosponsors, as well as attempt to gain support in the Senate.