Sen. Craven files bill in North Carolina Senate redefining advanced recycling terms

A new bill filed by State Sen. David W. Craven Jr. seeks to clarify definitions related to advanced recycling processes and certification systems in North Carolina statutes, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 481 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Definitions for Advanced Recycling.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill redefines specific terms related to advanced recycling in North Carolina’s General Statutes. It introduces definitions for “mass balance attribution,” which refers to a traceable accounting system that allows manufacturers to assign quantities of feedstocks to recycled products using third-party certification, and “third-party certification system,” an international system providing rules for implementing these methodologies. Additionally, “recycled products” are defined as those produced from recyclable material through chemical recycling processes using mass balance attribution, while ensuring they comply with existing environmental regulations. The bill does not specify an effective date, thus it becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Benton G. Sawrey proposed the most bills (56) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Craven graduated from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2012 with a BA.

Craven, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 29th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Steven Jarvis.