(Washington, DC) – The Institute of Scrap Recycling
Industries (ISRI), the Voice of the Recycling Industry™, released new,
independent data today highlighting the important role scrap commodities play
in U.S. exports. According to the study by John Dunham and Associates, coinciding
with World Trade Week, U.S. scrap exports generate more than $28 billion in
total economic activity.
“The
global demand for scrap helps drive the U.S. economy,” said Robin Wiener,
president of ISRI. “Scrap exports alone generate tens of thousands of American
jobs and billions of dollars in tax revenue. This makes it that much more
important to continue policies of free and fair trade, build and strengthen
relationships with overseas partners, and develop new markets. Doing so will
not only provide greater opportunity for U.S. recyclers in international
markets, but strengthen our economy here at home.”
The
data shows that approximately 26.36 percent of the scrap materials processed in
the United States are exported to other countries for manufacture into new
products. These exports help create jobs in the United States and also reduce
worldwide energy demand and the need to mine and harvest virgin materials. In
2017, more than 40,000 jobs are supported by the export activities associated
with the processing and brokerage operations of scrap recyclers operating in
the United States. These jobs pay an average wage of $75,934. An
additional 93,772 jobs are provided by supplier operations and through the
indirect effects of scrap recycling exports. More than $3 billion in federal,
state, and local tax revenue is collected as a result of scrap exports.
The
data was included as part of a study conducted to determine the size and scope
of the scrap industry in the United States, and document its significant
contribution to the economy in terms of employment, tax generation, and overall
economic benefit. Last month, ReMA released figures showing U.S. scrap
recycling industry was responsible for more than 534,000 jobs and the overall
economic impact to be nearly $117 billion.
“International
trade is a key revenue generator for the recycling industry, however, nearly
three-fourths of the material processed is used in domestic manufacturing,”
continued Wiener. “Recycling is in fact the first link in the manufacturing
process. A strong manufacturing base and infrastructure development in the
United States will further the economic development of the scrap industry.
Recyclers stand willing and ready to play its part in supplying the feedstock
to grow the country.
Additional
information related to the study, including statistical breakdowns by state,
Congressional District, and more can be found at www.isri.org/economy.
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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the
"Voice of the Recycling Industry™." ReMA represents more than 1,300
companies in 21 chapters in the U.S. and 35 countries that process, broker, and
consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber,
electronics, and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute
provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes
public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global
trade, the environment and sustainable development. Generating nearly $117
billion annually in U.S. economic activity, the scrap recycling industry
provides nearly half a million Americans with good jobs.