# 119-s-5302: Truth in Labeling Act of 2026 119-s-5302, Truth in Labeling Act of 2026, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (D-OR); status introduced; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-10). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5302 - As of: 2026-09-10 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Bill: 119-s-5302 - Congress: 119 - Title: Truth in Labeling Act of 2026 - Status: introduced - Introduced: 2026-08-06 - Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (D-OR) - Cosponsors: 0 - Policy area: Environmental Protection - Touches household money: yes - Last recorded action: 2026-09-10 ## Summary **Would create a nationwide standardized federal labeling system for recyclable, compostable, reusable, and refillable materials.** It pairs clear on-package labels and definitions with infrastructure mapping and FTC-backed enforcement to reduce consumer confusion and align markets. - Helps shoppers know how to dispose of items with standardized icons and wording. Label standards would be developed within 2 years and reviewed at least every 5 years. - Requires producers to meet national criteria before making recyclability, compostability, reuse, or refill claims. Qualified claims need an Administrator-approved, time‑bound plan to reach compliance within 2 years and noncompliance can trigger FTC enforcement and fines. - Directs nationwide mapping and publication of which materials meet standards and sets end-market thresholds. To qualify as recyclable generally a material must meet end-market availability for at least 60% of consumers, and to qualify as compostable it must be accepted by at least 50% of U.S. composting programs. ## Provisions PRIA read - Federal label definitions and advisory group: benefit, medium. If enacted, the bill would create official definitions for terms like "compostable", "packaging", and the "chasing arrows" symbol. The EPA and the FTC would set up a joint Advisory Committee within 180 days to advise on criteria and labels. The committee would meet publicly and help design standard… - Model recycling toolkit and education: benefit, medium. If enacted, the EPA would create a Model Recycling Program Toolkit and consumer materials to explain the new labels. The toolkit must be based on the nationwide analysis and go to States, local governments, and Indian Tribes. Materials would tell the preferred way to recover each item labeled recyc… - Producer evidence and label coordination: benefit, low. If enacted, producers could submit technical studies, tests, and market reports to the EPA and FTC to support label decisions. The EPA would also encourage producers and label suppliers to work with recyclers, composters, and reuse services on label compatibility. This gives producers a formal path… - New on-package labels and resin rules: mixed, high. If enacted, the bill would require clear standardized on-package labels when a product is labeled recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable. All plastic covered materials sold or imported into the U.S. would need a resin identification code. A resin code could not be placed inside the chasin… - Rules and lists for recyclable materials: mixed, high. If enacted, a material would be "recyclable" only if a responsible end market covers at least 60% of consumers where it is sold. A "qualified recyclability" claim could be used at 40% coverage only with an EPA‑approved, time‑bound plan that reaches 60% within two years. The EPA must publish a list… - Deceptive label ban, fines, and enforcement: mixed, medium. If enacted, the bill would make it a deceptive practice under the FTC Act to label items recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable unless they meet the Act's criteria. Enforcement would begin two years after standardized on-package labels are approved. The FTC must give notice and a 180‑day… ## Related bills - 119-s-5238: For Our Republic Act - 119-s-5071: Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026 - 119-s-5022: Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act - 119-s-2838: Protecting Our Democracy Act - 119-s-2819: Head Start for America's Children Act - 119-s-5283: Momnibus Act ## Sources - [119-s-5302 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5302) ## Related - [119-s-5238: For Our Republic Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5238) - [119-s-5071: Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5071) - [119-s-5022: Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5022) - [119-s-2838: Protecting Our Democracy Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-2838) - [119-s-2819: Head Start for America's Children Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-2819) - [119-s-5283: Momnibus Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5283) - [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-s-5302 (as of 2026-09-10).