https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/us-recycling-system
Benefits of Recycling
Recycling Saves Resources and Creates Jobs
Recycling is an important economic driver, as it helps create jobs and tax revenues. The Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report found that, in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 757,000 jobs, $36.6 billion in wages and $6.7 billion in tax revenues. This equates to 1.57 jobs, $76,000 in wages and $14,101 in tax revenues for every 1,000 tons of material recycled.
Environmental, economic and community benefits can be attained from recycling.
For the environment, recycling:
- Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
- Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals.
- Prevents pollution and reduces greenhouse gases by reducing the need to mine and process new raw materials.
For the economy, recycling:
- Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials.
- Saves energy.
For communities, recycling:
- Supports American manufacturing and conserves valuable resources.
- Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States.