5 Ways Recycling Helps the American Economy

Did you know that recycling is good for the economy?

When we recycle, we do more than reduce waste. We help create jobs, save money, and support local businesses. Whether you live in Oregon, Colorado or another state with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging and paper, your recycling efforts make a big difference.

1. Recycling Creates Jobs

Every time you recycle a can, bottle, box or newspaper, you help support American jobs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. recycling industry supports more than 680,000 jobs. These jobs include people who collect, sort and clean materials, along with many others who turn recyclables into new products. After all, many of the cereal boxes in your home were once cardboard boxes! 

From machine operators to truck drivers and engineers, recycling keeps people working. And most of these jobs can’t be outsourced—they stay right here in our communities.

2. Recycling Helps American Businesses

Recycling supports businesses of all sizes in our communities. Many local companies use recycled materials to make products like paper, glass bottles, cardboard boxes, and plastic containers. For example, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Bottle Company turns recycled glass into brand-new bottles for some of America’s best-selling beers. 

By recycling, we give these businesses a reliable source of the supplies they need. at a lower cost.

3. Recycling Saves Communities Money

Landfills are expensive. When trash goes to the landfill, communities have to pay for fuel to haul waste, landfill space and long-term maintenance and cleanup—that adds up! Recycling reduces these costs. 

In some communities, it already costs less to recycle than to send trash to the landfill. And in states with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, brands team up to fund all or part of the recycling costs otherwise funded by residents and local governments. 

Finally, recycling helps cities meet environmental goals, which can unlock grants and funding for new community programs.

4. Recycling Supports the Circular Economy

A circular economy is a system where materials are reused rather than thrown away. Instead of making something, using it once, and tossing it—we reuse or recycle it. Consider your favorite cozy fleece. When a company takes it back for repair or reselling, that’s a great example of a circular economy. When it comes to packaging, laws like EPR, build recycling systems so that soda bottles, yogurt tubs, beer cans and so much more are easily recycled. In fact, that recycled soda bottle may become your new favorite cozy fleece! 

A circular economy keeps materials like metal, paper, and plastic in use longer and reduces the need to dig up or cut down new resources. Why does this matter economically? Because it protects supply chains and stabilizes prices.

For example, recycled aluminum is much cheaper and easier to get than mining new aluminum. And, paper made with recycled fibers can cost less than paper made from new trees. By recycling, we help keep prices steady and businesses running smoothly—even when new materials are harder to find.

5. Recycling Sparks Innovation

Recycling drives innovation in industries like packaging, fashion, building, and design. Companies are creating new ways to use recycled plastic in clothing and shoes. Designers are turning old materials into furniture, art, and useful tools. And, builders are using recycled glass and asphalt in roads and sidewalks. This creativity creates new economic opportunities, especially in states that are building robust recycling collection through Producer Responsibility laws.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to be an expert to support recycling. Here are a few easy steps to make a difference:

• Recycle: It’s never too late to start recycling! Explore RecycleOn.org to understand how to recycle in your community.
• Recycle Right: Learn what’s accepted in your local recycling program. Clean, dry, and sort items properly.
• Spread the Word: Talk to friends and family about the economic power of recycling. Every small action adds up!

When we recycle, we create good jobs, help American businesses grow, save our cities money and support a cleaner, healthier economyWhether you’re a student, a parent, a worker, or a retiree, your recycling matters. Together, we can build stronger communities, support local jobs, and keep our economy moving forward. Explore more at RecycleOn.org to learn how your state is making recycling work for you and your neighbors.