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America Recycles Day: November 15, 2021

Press Release Number CB21-SFS.145
stories-recycling-1300x867

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “On America Recycles Day 2019 (November 15), EPA recognized the importance and impact of recycling, which has contributed to American prosperity and the protection of our environment. The recycling rate has increased from less than 7 percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages.

“The recycling efforts of communities and business throughout the United States have helped with this success and growth. To build on our progress, EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on every annual America Recycles Day, but all year. This means checking with your local recycling provider to be certain that they will accept everything you place in your recycling bin. Items like cardboard, metal cans and paper are commonly accepted by local curbside programs, and items like plastic bags, electronics and batteries can NEVER go in the curbside recycling bin. Visit our How Do I Recycle?: Common Recyclables to see how and where to recycle these and other items.”

Key Stats

Source: 2019 American Community Survey (ACS), 1-Year Estimates.

Note: The table above is cropped. Click on the image to see the full table.

More Stats

Source: Quarterly Services Survey (QSS), 2003-2021.

  • NAICS 423930, Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers
  • NAICS 562920, Materials Recovery Facilities

From the Newsroom > Stats for Stories (SFS)

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Page Last Revised - July 15, 2022
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