THE NUMBERS

Recycling helps the planet reducing natural resource consumption and pollution by reusing materials. But does it also generate money?

The answer is YES. In 2020, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) published a study called Recycling Economic Information Report to analyze the economic impacts of recycling and the reuse of materials. 

The report covered the economic activities of nine sectors: ferrous metals, nonferrous metals (aluminum), glass, paper, plastics, rubber, construction and demolition (C&D), electronics, and organics (including food and yard trimmings). 

The report showed how recycling and reuse of materials created jobs while also generating local and state tax revenues in a year* in the United States. The key findings:

• 681,000 jobs, which represents 0,47% of the US economy

• $37.8 billion in wages, which represents 0,58% of the US economy

• $5.5 billion in tax revenues, which represents 0,78% of the US economy

(*the study analysed the year of 2012)

The report also revealed that the recycling of ferrous metals (scraps recovered from discarded appliances, automobiles, containers, etc) was the top contributor to all economic indicators.  

Find the complete study here

BREAKING NEWS 

How did the shift from print to digital newspaper consumption influence the paper recycling numbers?

A national EPA report analyzing Waste Management and Recycling data from 2018 underscores a significant shift in paper consumption, largely driven by the evolving habits of newspaper readers and its subsequent impact on recycling efforts. The comprehensive study reveals that while the US generated a substantial 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018, the declining appetite for printed newspapers is a key factor influencing the composition and recycling rates of this waste.

The report highlights that paper and paperboard products, historically the largest component of MSW (23.1%), have seen a notable decrease in generation, dropping from 87.7 million tons in 2000 to 67.4 million tons in 2018. This decline is directly linked to the significant migration of newspaper readers to digital platforms. Data from the Pew Research Center on U.S. newspaper circulation illustrates this trend starkly. Weekday newspaper circulation, once a robust 40 million in 1940, plummeted to an estimated 20.9 million (combined print and digital) in 2022, marking an 8% decrease from the previous year. Sunday circulation experienced a similar decline of 10%. This shift has also prompted some newspapers to reduce their page sizes in response to declining advertising revenue, which saw a substantial drop from $23 million in 2013 to $9 million in 2022, according to the Pew Research Center.

Furthermore, the report suggests that the decrease in office paper generation has also contributed to lower paper recycling figures. The increasing adoption of electronic communication methods, such as email and digital report transmission, has lessened the reliance on paper-based documentation. These converging factors paint a picture of a changing landscape in waste management, influenced by both evolving consumer behavior and technological advancements. While recycling and composting efforts are making strides, the sheer volume of waste generated and the shifting composition of that waste necessitate continued focus and innovation in sustainable waste management practices

Find the EPA complete study here 

Find the Pew Research Center study here

NO TIME TO WASTE

EcoNomics was honored to be invited to the ZERO WASTE FORUM, an important event bringing together specialists to create impactful awareness and discuss waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability solutions. 

The Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, Florida, hosted an insightful gathering on April 2nd as the 2025 Zero Waste Forum, organized by Race to Zero Waste, brought together a team of specialists, advocates, and industry leaders. EcoNomics had the honor to be invited to this forum that annually serves as a crucial platform for exploring cutting-edge solutions, fostering collaboration, and raising awareness surrounding the urgent need to transition towards a zero-waste future.

Attendees were immersed in two days of engaging presentations and panel discussions that tackled a wide spectrum of critical sustainability themes. Plastic pollution, a big environmental challenge, was one of the topics. The often-overlooked issue of food waste also took the spotlight, with discussions on how to handle this issue at schools, for example.

Beyond identifying the problems, the forum heavily emphasized tangible "zero waste solutions." Speakers presented successful case studies, offering practical insights and inspiration for attendees looking to implement zero-waste principles in their own contexts. The discussions extended beyond traditional recycling, delving into topics like the circular economy, edible food recovery, and the importance of policy changes to support a zero-waste transition.

The atmosphere at the forum was energetic and collaborative, with ample opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas.

EcoNomics was thrilled to be part of this remarkable event that left a clear message: the transition to a zero-waste society is not only possible but essential and needs to be done now.

Follow the Race to Zero Waste initiative