A recent study by non-profit organization Keep America Beautiful (KAB) noted that approximately two-thirds of respondents felt, "Recycling is a very/extremely important issue, citing its potential positive impact on the economy, public health, the environment, and waste reduction, among other benefits." 

Recycling is good for the economy

Recycling in the United States drives much of our nation's domestic and global manufacturing. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., the nation's recycling industry is responsible for 471,587 direct and indirect domestic jobs, generating more than $105 billion annually in economic activity. In Oregon, the local recycling industry is responsible for over 7,000 jobs and $1.55 billion in economic impact.

 

Recycling is good for business

A 2014 Nielsen Global Survey of 30,000 consumers in 60 countries revealed that 55 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies committed to positive social and environmental impact.

 

Recycling conserves energy and reduces pollution

Oregonians recovered 2,305,661 tons of material in 2014 for recycling, composting and energy recovery. This resulted in energy savings of approximately 25 trilllion BTUs, roughly 2.7 percent of total energy used last year by all sectors of Oregon's economy. This recovery also resulted in greenhouse gas reductions of approximately 2.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, equal to tailpipe emissions from 660,000 passenger cars, or roughly 4.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions statewide in 2014. More information on recovery in Oregon can be found here.

 

Waste prevention makes even more sense 

Recycling will always be an important practice as our society works to create a healthier, more sustainable environment. We must also remember that recycling is the last of the three Rs" (reduce, reuse and recycle). The "Durables over disposables" article in this issue of the Business Bulletin discusses the importance of considering the upstream impacts of the products and materials we consume as businesses and individuals. The more we focus on the other Rs (reduce and reuse), implementing practices that prevent the generation of materials and help to further decrease greenhouse gas and energy levels, the more we can reduce our impact on the planet.

 

www.WashingtonCountyRecycles.com