Eventful celebrations mark ‘America Recycles Day 2016’

By Paul Ploumis

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has joined other industry organizations in celebrating the America Recycles Day 2016- a national initiative by Keep America Beautiful. The recycling organization applauded all individuals who make a strong effort to recycle as part of daily life. It also called upon people to learn more about recycling practices.

Robin Wiener, president of ISRI stated that the America Recycles Day reminds us of the need to recycle. The day also provides an important reminder about the positive impact of the recycling industry on the environment, energy savings, and the economy.

According to ISRI, recycling is the first link in the manufacturing supply chain. In 2015 alone, the US scrap recyclers processed more than 130 million tons of scrap materials including metal, paper, plastics, electronics, textiles, glass and rubber last year. Out of the 130 million tons, iron and steel accounted for 67 million tons, followed by paper (47 million) and Aluminum (5 million). This has resulted in significant energy savings and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, recycling has led to considerable environmental benefits by preventing materials from ending up in landfills. The UN data suggests that 190 million tons of scrap valued at more than $80 billion were exported globally during 2015.

The scrap recycling industry creates and supports jobs and also contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. With reference to an independent study conducted by Dunham, the US scrap processors and brokers directly employed nearly 150,000 people in 2015. In addition, it indirectly supported nearly 323,000 jobs.

The US exported more than 37 million metric tons of scrap commodities to more than 150 countries around the world. The exports of scrap commodities out of the US were valued at $17.5 billion during the year.

Also, several other organizations have announced innovative events to mark the celebration of America Recycles Day 2016. For instance, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (Fla.) has announced that it will host an open house on November 19, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m to demonstrate recycling process. As part of celebrations, Roswell Recycling Center in Alpharetta, Ga. Had collected blankets for The Humane Society. Also, Concord General Services had encouraged residents of Concord, N.H., to take the #BeRecycled pledge as part of their commitment to efforts to reduce more waste.

In honor of the recycling theme, the 8th Annual Recycling Art show at the Warehouse of Solvista Health in Cañon City, Colo featured art works that contain a minimum of 75% recycled content. The City of Lawrence (Kan.) Solid Waste Division had organized collection of unwanted eyeglasses for the Lawrence Lion’s Club for the Recycle For Sight program. U.S. Farathane Port Huron (Mich.) collected various items to be distributed to its employees for crafts. The Mug Shot challenge organized by the Green Team of the Maplewood (Minn.) Reuse Center aims to promote use of reusable mug both at home and at work.

Cayuga County has announced that it will organize an electronics recycling event on Nov 19, 8 AM to 11 AM at the city of Auburn landfill on North Division Street, where various electronics will be collected. The event is being held in partnership with NUCOR Steel, Rescue Mission, the city of Auburn and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.