Why Recycling is Important to the Worldwide Economy

It’s no secret that recycling benefits the environment, but it also boons the economy. By separating recyclables like paper, glass, plastic and aluminum from waste, consumers can help create a greener world and help businesses save some green. It’s a win-win for people and the planet.

Lower Costs

A huge reason is savings. It’s cheaper to manufacture goods from recycled materials. One study shows that production using recycled aluminum can cut costs in half. That’s because much less energy is required to process recycled aluminum than to extract it raw. The savings cycle back to consumers, who can buy goods for less.

Recycling also avoids the cost of waste disposal in landfills and incinerators. As less landfills are needed, more land can be put to economic use, saving money on space and bolstering revenue. Green initiatives like recycling also stimulate the development of greener technology, such as improved recycling equipment, leading to even more savings.

Jobs

Revenue is another piece of the puzzle. Recycling strengthens the recycling industry, creating new jobs. This increased demand for skilled workers brings economic life to regions across the globe, especially big cities. Examples of recycling businesses include:

• Steel mills
• Paper manufacturers
• Glass manufacturers
• Material reclaimers, converters and recoverers
• Collection centers
• Recycled material wholesalers

The U.S. Recycling Economic Information (REI) study reveals that the labor force for recycling and reuse establishments significantly outperforms that of mining and waste management. These green organizations generate nearly $240 billion in annual revenue, further bolstered by employee spending and state, federal and local taxes. In South Carolina alone, more than 15,000 workers, $1.5 billion in salaries and $69 million in taxes hinge on the recycling industry. In California, recycling sustains 85,000 workers, $4 billion in salaries and $10 billion in goods and services.

Sales and Imports

Small communities and big countries alike can generate revenue through the trade and sale of recyclables. From job creation to production, the yields are undoubtedly significant. Countries scarce on natural resources rely on imported materials to power production. Eastern countries especially rely on recycling to offset the shortage of forests for paper sourcing.

Making Recycling More Efficient

Whether you’re a big city, small town or business, GK recycling equipment can help you process recyclables quickly and efficiently. From grinding to glass processing, scrap metal to solid waste, single-stream to multi-stream and more, GK recycling equipment help you do your part in creating a greener environment and economy.