ISRI Study Highlights Recycling’s Economic Benefits

A study released by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI), Washington, D.C., shows that the recycling industry in the United States generates more than $10 billion in revenue per year and employs more than 450,000 people.

The study, undertaken by John Dunham and Associates, examined different kinds of economic activity – jobs and exports – and both direct and indirect economic impacts at the national, state and congressional district levels.

“This study illustrates very clearly that the U.S. scrap recycling industry is playing an important role in America’s economic recovery,” says ISRI President Robin Wiener. “Despite tough times, our industry is directly and indirectly putting more than 450,000 people to work while generating revenue for federal, state and local governments. All this adds up to recognition that the scrap recycling industry must be allowed to grow so it can continue to boost our economy, put people to work, protect our environment and help save energy. When people think of recycling, they think of the bin at the curb when in fact our industry is a multi-billion-dollar ‘Made in America’ manufacturing success story.”

The survey also found that the total economic activity generated by scrap recycling in the United States exceeds $90.6 billion, making the industry similar in size to the nation’s forestry and fishing industries combined. Notably, according to the study, the U.S. scrap recycling industry adds as much to the nation’s economy as the coal mining industry.

The economic study can be viewed in its entirety at www.isri.org/2011scrapjobstudy.