For decades, countries like China and India have bought much of the United States’ recyclables, turning them into plastics, paper, and other valuable goods. But in recent years, those countries have implemented policies — including banning certain plastic imports — that have cast further doubt on the future of municipal recycling in the United States. On Monday, bipartisan legislation designed to help offset the sapped demand for recyclables abroad cleared a final legislative hurdle at the Texas Capitol. Senate Bill 649, which passed the Senate last month on a 21-10 vote, cleared the Texas House on an informal voice vote. READ MORE