The study measures how the act of Pennsylvania’s recycling is a vital part of the economy in the Commonwealth, creating jobs, economic value, taxes, and salary within the borders of the Commonwealth.
Key findings of the Recycling Economic Impact Study include--
-- The recycling industry in Pennsylvania is responsible for 319,628 full-time equivalent jobs in the state.
-- In total, the recycling industry is responsible for $130.5 billion of economic activity, or roughly 7.2% of the state's economic output.
-- The recycling industry directly accounts for nearly $76.9 billion in economic activity at firms or entities collecting and processing recycled materials, firms or entities promoting the reuse of goods and materials, and firms utilizing recycled materials as part of their production process.
[For a comparison, the recycling industry supports two and a half times the number of jobs as the shale gas industry-- 319,628 vs.123,000; is responsible for over three times the economic output-- $130.5 billion vs. $41 billion; and pays three and a half times the federal, state and local taxes-- $11.2 billion vs. $3.2 billion.]
“Recycling is more than just keeping waste out of landfills – it is also a huge economic engine, providing local jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “The aluminum can or cardboard box that goes into the recycling bin instead of the trash can helps keep Pennsylvania’s economy growing and reduces the need for raw natural resources.”
“Most people don’t realize that recycling is big business in Pennsylvania; your recycling is an ingredient in someone else’s new product,” said Robert J. Bylone, Jr., CEO, President of the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. “Simply, recycling works – with real people, in real places.”
Many of these companies that contributed to the study, including Armstrong World Industries, a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications, incorporate recycled content feedstocks into their manufacturing processes.
Among other materials, including reclaimed ceiling panels, Armstrong manufactures many products from recycled newsprint and plastic bottles.
“Today sustainability is part of our culture,” said Amy Costello, Product Stewardship and Sustainability Manager at Armstrong. “Just like Armstrong did over 165 years ago, the company is still finding innovative ways to use recycled feedstocks in our product lines without sacrificing quality and while growing profit. It is circularity at its best.”
Click Here for a copy of the report. Click Here for a one page summary.
Visit the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center website to learn more about the recycling industry and the assistance available to reuse or recycle materials as part of your business.
Related Articles This Week:
-- Independence Conservancy To Hold 3 Waste Tire Collection Events In Allegheny, Beaver Counties Starting April 25 [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Inquirer: Philly’s Clean And Green Office Wants ‘Vast Network’ Of Surveillance Cameras To Catch Illegal Dumpers
-- DailyLocal.com: ‘I Can’t Stand Litter:’ Chester County Employees Among Crew Cleaning Up ‘Filthy’ Caln Road
-- WHYY: Philadelphia Could Extend Controversial Chester Trash Incineration Contract Amid Criticism
-- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader: DEP Holds Public Meeting On Proposed Waste Transfer Station In Hazleton
[Posted: April 9, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment