What types of businesses make-up the recycling and reuse industry?
- Long-established sectors like paper and steel making
- New entrepreneurial ventures such as composting and plastic and rubber product manufacturers
- Companies that refurbish used electronic appliances, computer equipment and office and home furnishings.
Why is this industry an important contributor the nation’s manufacturing base?
- More than 56,000 public and private sector facilities
- 1.1 million jobs
- $236 billion in gross, annual sales
- $37 billion in annual payroll
What are the largest sectors of the recycling industry?
- Recycled paper and paperboard mills, with 139,375 employees and $49 billion in annual receipts
- Steel mills, with 118,544 employees and $46 billion in annual receipts
- Recycled plastics converters, with 178,700 employees and $28 billion in annual receipts
- Iron and steel foundries, with 126,313 employees and $16 billion in annual receipts
How does the size of the recycling industry compare to other major industries?
- Comparable to the auto and truck manufacturing industry
- Significantly larger than mining and waste management and disposal industries
- Wages for workers in the recycling are notably higher than the national average for all industries