Why It Matters
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) confronts a fragmented regulatory landscape threatening operational efficiency and market access. Rising metal theft, state-level e-waste regulations, PFAS compliance uncertainty, and trade policy volatility create compounding industry pressures.
ISRI’s lobbying strategy pursues federal solutions: anti-theft legislation like the PART Act, standardized e-waste export rules through the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act, and federal recycling infrastructure investment.
Congress shows bipartisan momentum with the Recycling Caucus relaunched and multiple recycling bills advancing. ISRI aims to influence legislation before regulatory fragmentation deepens and position domestic recycling as critical infrastructure aligned with national security priorities.
By the Numbers
ISRI spent $85,896 on in-house lobbying in the last quarter of 2025, maintaining a two-decade advocacy record. The organization has filed 195 total disclosures since 2003, spending approximately $16.6 million overall.
This Q4 filing represents consistent quarterly engagement, with reports for Q2 2025 and Q3 2025 indicating sustained advocacy efforts.
ISRI conducts lobbying entirely in-house, accounting for $12.7 million historically. Sole lobbyist Kristen Hildreth joined in May 2024 and has appeared on 8 filings totaling $671,511. The organization previously partnered with external firms including Holland & Knight LLP and Podesta Group Inc., but the current in-house approach suggests preference for direct message control.
The Agenda
ISRI’s Q4 2025 filing focused on interconnected policy areas affecting domestic recycling:
- Metal theft prevention through the PART Act and cargo theft initiatives
- E-waste regulation, supporting the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act
- PFAS chemical regulations and chemical recycling standards
- Highway transportation weight limits for recycled materials
- Trade policy affecting scrap metal exports
- Recycling infrastructure investment via the Congressional Recycling Caucus
The organization backs bipartisan bills including the STEWARD Act, Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, and Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act. These priorities reflect long-standing industry concerns about theft, processing standards, and transportation efficiency, now aligned with congressional focus on supply chain security and domestic critical minerals recovery.
Broader Context
ISRI lobbies amid significant congressional momentum on its core issues. The 119th Congress actively advances bipartisan legislation aligned with ISRI priorities: the PART Act targets catalytic converter theft, SEERA restricts e-waste exports, and multiple bills address recycling infrastructure.
The Congressional Recycling Caucus relaunch signals sustained member engagement. Policy trends create favorable conditions: metal theft has become a law enforcement priority, state-level e-waste regulation fragmentation creates demand for federal standards, and critical minerals recycling emerged as a national security issue. ISRI’s engagement reflects both federal infrastructure investment opportunities and threats from evolving PFAS regulation and trade dynamics.
Between The Lines
Congress actively advances legislation matching ISRI’s priorities. The PART Act and SEERA move through both chambers with bipartisan support. Representative Jim Baird introduced H.R. 5221 for catalytic converter theft prevention, while Reps. Espaillat and Díaz-Balart reintroduced SEERA.
The STEWARD Act passed the Senate, establishing pilot grants for underserved communities. Reps. Miller-Meeks and Sherrill introduced additional recycling infrastructure bills targeting rural improvements.
Congressional committees held relevant hearings on cargo theft, e-waste barriers, and recycling legislation. Rep. Haley Stevens relaunched the bipartisan Recycling Caucus, while Rep. Daniel Meuser supported chemical recycling investment.
The Bottom Line
ISRI spent $85,896 lobbying in the final quarter of 2025 on seven policy areas spanning metals theft, e-waste, PFAS regulation, and trade. The organization’s priorities align with active congressional interest: key bills are advancing, the Recycling Caucus has relaunched, and committees are holding hearings on recycling infrastructure and supply chain security. ISRI’s sustained engagement through in-house lobbyist Kristen Hildreth reflects the trade group’s two-decade history advocating stable industry priorities in Washington.
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