The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, has released a video titled “Green Effect: The Recycling Industry’s Economic Impact,” that addresses the industry’s contributions to the U.S. economy in terms of employment, tax generation and overall economic benefit. The short video highlights the fact that recycling is an economic driver that provides many benefits beyond environmental advantages.
“Over the years, the scrap recycling industry has proven to be a resilient, job creating and economy- driving force both in the U.S. and globally,” says Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “Many outside the industry are completely unaware of recycling’s economic impact as the first link in the manufacturing chain. Not only are we leading the way in green jobs, but recyclers are also responsible for billions of dollars in wages, state, local and federal tax revenue and lowering the trade deficit. This video will help educate the public, educators, others in the manufacturing sector and many more on the contributions offered by the recycling industry.”
The video includes these facts, ISRI says:
- The scrap recycling industry generates nearly $106 billion annually in economic activity.
- Scrap recyclers directly employ nearly 150,000 U.S. workers, supporting more than $11 billion in wages.
- The industry generates about $4.39 billion in state and local revenue annually, and another $6.76 billion in federal taxes are paid each year by the industry and its employees.
- Recyclers export processed scrap in volumes comparable with other commodities such as grain, corn and cotton.
The video was based on a study performed by the independent consulting firm of John Dunham and Associates to explore the size and scope of the scrap industry in the U.S. and measure its significant contribution to the economy in terms of employment, tax generation and overall economic benefits. The study includes breakdowns by state, Congressional District, state legislative district and more.