The recycling rate has increased from less than 7 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 every annual America Recycles Day, but all year. This means checking with your local recycling provider to be certain that they will accept everything you place 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 can NEVER go in the curbside recycling bin. Visit our How Do I Recycle?: Common Recyclables to see how and where to recycle these and other items.

On this page:

• Benefits of recycling
• What you can do to reduce waste
• Recycling saves resources and creates jobs
• Recycle More, Recycle Right
• Save energy by recycling
• Resources for educators