33 U.S.C. § 4211 to 4219 — Definitions

In this chapter: (1) **Circular economy** — The term “circular economy” means an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that— (A) are restorative or regenerative by design; (B) enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest values for as long as possible; and (C) aim for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models). (2) **EPA Administrator** — The term “EPA Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) **Indian Tribe** — The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term “Indian tribe” in [section 5304 of title 25](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title25-section5304&num=0&edition=prelim), without regard to capitalization. (4) **Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee** — The term “Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee” means the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee established under [section 1954 of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title33-section1954&num=0&edition=prelim). (5) **Marine debris** — The term “marine debris” has the meaning given that term in section 1981 11 See References in Text note below. of this title. (6) **Marine debris event** — The term “marine debris event” means an event or related events that affects or may imminently affect the United States involving— (A) marine debris caused by a natural event, including a tsunami, flood, landslide, hurricane, or other natural source; (B) distinct, nonrecurring marine debris, including derelict vessel groundings and container spills, that have immediate or long-term impacts on habitats with high ecological, economic, or human-use values; or (C) marine debris caused by an intentional or grossly negligent act or acts that causes substantial economic or environmental harm. (7) **Nonprofit organization** — The term “nonprofit organization” means an organization that is described in [section 501(c) of title 26](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section501/c&num=0&edition=prelim) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title. (8) **Post-consumer materials management** — The term “post-consumer materials management” means the systems, operation, supervision, and long-term management of processes and equipment used for post-use material (including packaging, goods, products, and other materials), including— (A) collection; (B) transport; (C) safe disposal of waste that cannot be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, or refurbished; and (D) systems and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, or refurbished. (9) **State** — The term “State” means— (A) a State; (B) an Indian Tribe; (C) the District of Columbia; (D) a territory or possession of the United States; or (E) any political subdivision of an entity described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). (10) **Under Secretary** — The term “Under Secretary” means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.