Municipal Solid Waste Reduction Act of 1989

Municipal Solid Waste Reduction Act of 1989 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a waste reduction information clearinghouse in the EPA Office of Solid Waste. Makes such information available to the public. Directs the Administrator to implement a public education program about municipal solid waste reduction and the ways in which reduction can alleviate waste management and disposal problems.

Requires the Administrator to publish lists of: (1) the 50 most toxic constituents of the municipal waste stream arising during the recycling, treatment, disposal, or other management of such waste stream; and (2) the 50 categories of waste that are the largest contributors by volume to such stream. Directs the Administrator, acting through the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste, to initiate studies of five of the elements on each list. Outlines the requirements of such studies, including: (1) a determination of the risks to human health and the environment involved in managing such constituents or waste categories in the waste stream; (2) a determination of strategies for reducing the quantity or toxicity of such constituents or waste categories; and (3) an examination of the economic costs and benefits associated with such reduction.

Requires the President to establish a commission to study methods for labeling products and packaging to help reduce waste. Requires such study to be submitted to the President and the Congress and to be made available to the public. Terminates the Commission after submission of the study.

Directs the Administrator to implement a grant program for research and development on redesigning consumer products for the purpose of reducing the volume or toxicity of waste. Requires grant recipients to report to the Administrator on the use of such grants and the success in redesigning products. Limits the amount of each grant to $50,000. Prohibits the Administrator from obligating or spending more than $5,000,000 in a fiscal year for such program.

Requires the head of each executive department to: (1) review purchases of goods to determine where substitute goods could be purchased to achieve waste reduction; (2) encourage waste reduction in the practices of the department; and (3) report annually to the Administrator on waste reduction activities. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on waste reduction activities in such departments.