By converting waste into valuable raw materials, recycling creates jobs, builds more competitive manufacturing industries, and adds significantly to the U.S. economy. Comprehensive national data on the economic impact of recycling and reuse is critical to the continued growth and success of the industry by:
Demonstrating to the investment community that recycling is a viable, established industry with a proven track record.
Assisting government agencies with strategic planning and policy decisions to ensure the continued growth of recycling.
Identifying business opportunities for entrepreneurs based on emerging commodity areas and industry sectors.
Providing recycling and reuse advocates with an important tool to help promote awareness and build support.
Recycling is good for the economy and the environment. Recycling benefits are found at every stage of the life cycle of a consumer product - from the mining of raw materials through use and final disposal. By redirecting waste to serve as raw materials for industry, recycling provides a number of important benefits:
Reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
Saving energy by reducing the need to extract and process "virgin" raw materials to manufacture new products.
Reducing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Stimulating the development of greener technologies.
Avoiding the cost of waste disposal in landfills and incinerators.
