America Recycles Day (ARD), celebrated every November 15, serves as a reminder of the importance and impact of recycling. Despite its significance, the United States has a recycling rate of only 30% for residential materials, including glass, plastic, cardboard, and paper, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Recycling Infrastructure Assessment. This low rate highlights a significant opportunity for improvement, and America Recycles Day provides a perfect occasion to increase participation.
One misconception about recycling is that it is a complicated process, but in reality, it is quite simple. Recycling correctly starts with understanding what can and cannot be recycled. Knowing what to recycle is the first step in making a significant impact. For example, clean and dry paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, and plastic and glass bottles can typically be recycled. It’s essential to rinse out containers to avoid contamination, which can render whole batches of recyclables unusable. The best way to be a good recycler is to contact your local solid waste authority to find out which items are accepted in your community and how to prepare them for recycling.
If you like a good challenge, Keep America Beautiful, which sponsors America Recycles Day, has a calendar of daily recycling challenges to help us all be better recyclers. While the month has already begun, you can still work your way through the suggestions, which include things like using a reusable cup and water bottle, refusing a plastic straw, donating old clothes, and sharing a recycling fact on your social media.
Recycling is essential not only for environmental preservation but also for economic benefits. The 2020 Recycling Economic Information Report reveals that, on average, for every 1,000 tons of recyclables collected and recycled, 1.17 jobs, $65,230 in wages, and $9,420 in tax revenues are generated. This means that by recycling more, we can create jobs, boost the economy, and increase tax revenues, all while reducing the strain on our natural resources. Now that’s something to celebrate!