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ECONOMIC IMPACT

From our homes and workplaces to our schools, shopping districts, public transportation, and beyond, the essential role of recycled materials is everywhere. So much of our way of life is touched by recycling, and this of course includes the economic might of the industry, and its impact.

To paint a clear picture of the industry’s varied role in the economy, ReMA commissions an Economic Impact Study by John Dunham and Associates that examines different kinds of economic activity – jobs and exports – and both direct and indirect economic impacts at the national, state, and congressional district levels.

ReMA’s 2024 Economic Impact Study highlights the numerous economic and environmental benefits of the U.S. recycled materials industry including:

  • The industry’s nearly $170 billion contribution to the U.S. economy.

  • Nearly 600,000 well-paying jobs directly and indirectly supported by recycling.

  • The nearly $20.2 billion in export related economic impact in 2023.

  • The more than 137 million metric tons of materials recycled in 2022.
Find the impact recycling has in your local community using the map below!

 

Economic Impact of Recycling
economic impact
U.S. Jobs Supported by the Recycled Materials Industry

Currently, 171,470 jobs are directly supported by recycling operations within in the United States. These jobs pay an average of $79,800 in wages and benefits to American workers.

In addition, 424,690 jobs throughout the U.S. economy are indirectly supported by the recycled materials industry through suppliers and the indirect impact of the industry's expenditures.

economic impact
Tax Revenues to Federal, State, and Local Governments

The recycled materials industry generates substantial revenues for federal, state, and local governments throughout the United States.

The industry generates about $7.16 billion in state and local revenues annually – revenues that are used to help communities and people throughout the country.

Another $11.55 billion in federal taxes are paid annually by the industry and its employees.

The study looks at the for-profit U.S. recycled materials industry, consisting of all operations from both privately held and publicly traded firms engaged in the processing and brokering of recycled materials.

What is the Economic Impact in your area?

Discover the national, state, and local economic impact of the scrap recycling industry by using the interactive map and database below.

 

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