U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Skip Header


America Recycles Day: November 15, 2023

Press Release Number CB23-SFS.162

“On America Recycles Day (November 15), EPA recognizes the importance and impact of recycling, which has contributed to American prosperity and the protection of our environment. The recycling rate has increased from less than seven percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages.

“The recycling efforts of communities and business throughout the United States have helped with this success and growth. To build on our progress, EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on America Recycles Day, but all year long. This means checking with your local recycling provider to know what they will accept in your recycling bin. Items like cardboard, metal cans and paper are commonly accepted by local curbside programs and items like plastic bags, electronics and batteries do NOT go in the curbside recycling bin. Visit our How Do I Recycle?: Common Recyclables to learn how and where to recycle these and other items.”

Photo: Girl holding recycling bin

Key Stats

Source: 2022 American Community Survey (ACS), 1-year estimates

Note: The table above is cropped. Click on the image for the full table with more than 550 occupations.

More Stats

Source: 2003-2023 Quarterly Services Survey (QSS)

  • NAICS 42393, Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers
  • NAICS 56292, Materials Recovery Facilities

From Business and Economy  /  Surveys and Programs:

The following tables have data (newest to oldest) for sector NAICS 42393, Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers:

From the Newsroom  /  Stats for Stories (SFS)

From Our Surveys & Programs > Statistics in School (SIS): Classrooms Powered by Census Data:

Note: Click on the image above for the infographic in high resolution.

Outside Links

Page Last Revised - May 2, 2024
Is this page helpful?
Thumbs Up Image Yes Thumbs Down Image No
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum 255 characters maximum reached
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?

Top

Back to Header