Our Impact
Whether you realize it or not, recycled materials are a big part of life. We help make items that you use and depend on every day. From the roads, bridges, and highways you travel on, to the schools our children learn in – maybe even the laptop or smartphone you’re reading this on. They all likely contain recycled materials.
Our industry provides a renewable source of high-quality materials for everyday items you rely on, as well as the essential infrastructure that keeps communities running. Each new, useful object that’s made from recycled material saves natural resources and reduces waste.
Who We Serve
The people who make up our industry are as diverse as our nation: from a small rubber recycler in North Carolina, to a large metal operation in suburban California, to a paper recycler in Ohio. The one thing we all have in common? We’re all recyclers.
Our recycling facilities are staffed by professional operators, engineers, and technicians who are also moms, dads, soccer coaches, and volunteers in their local communities. We all share common goals and a commitment to power local communities, support a more sustainable world, and help build a better future through our work.
Our Role
Recycling’s Role in Our Economy
Recycling creates jobs, advances U.S. competitiveness, and ensures our nation’s supply chain resilience.
The economic impact of the recycled materials industry in the U.S. is $117 Billion
506,000
The total number of jobs supported by the recycled materials industry.
$34 Billion
Total wages provided to employees who work in the recycled materials industry.
Explore our Community
Member Stories
Our members are hard working individuals just like you. They are your neighbors, friends, and community members. Meet the recycled materials industry.
national Data
What is the Economic Impact in your area?
Discover the national, state, and local economic impact of the scrap recycling industry by using the interactive map and database below.
Additional Resources
Featured Safety & Compliance Resources
Explore additional information available for recycled materials industry professionals
Benefits of Partnering with ReMA
Recycled materials are resilient, strengthening the economy. Explore the industry’s economic benefits and the benefits of contributing to our cause.
Education
Every day the work of the recycled materials industry positively impacts the lives of individuals around the world.
Safety
Safety is ReMA’s number one core value. We offer a variety of industry safety services and programs for members. Learn more about how we operate safely, or not at all.
Sustainability
The recycled materials industry is sustainable, protecting the environment. When manufacturers source raw materials for a product, the recycled materials industry provides a more sustainable alternative. Explore recycling’s role in sustainability.
Recycled Materials Industry Yearbook
ReMA’s yearbook is a comprehensive source of all things recycled materials industry related. Read the yearbook and learn about our contributions
Voices of ReMA
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James Williams
President of Bladecore
“From everyday items to our essential infrastructure, recycled materials power the manufacturing supply chain that makes our economy stronger, our planet more sustainable, and our lives better.”
James Williams
President of Bladecore
“From everyday items to our essential infrastructure, recycled materials power the manufacturing supply chain that makes our economy stronger, our planet more sustainable, and our lives better.”
James Williams
President of Bladecore
“From everyday items to our essential infrastructure, recycled materials power the manufacturing supply chain that makes our economy stronger, our planet more sustainable, and our lives better.”
James Williams
President of Bladecore
Sustainability impacts
The Sustainability Impact of Recycling
*Calculations are based on the average figure for all recycled materials.
2.5x
Recycling one ton of materials is equivalent to the amount of gas you would use to drive across the United States 2.5 times in your car.*
3,000
When one ton of materials is recycled, 3,000 pounds of coal are saved from being mined.*
90%
Using recycled materials as renewable sources in manufacturing reduces energy consumption by 27-90%.
96%
Greenhouse gas emissions can be lowered by 35-96% by using renewable resources provided by the recycled materials industry.
Member Stories
Stanton A. Moss Inc
Stanton A. Moss Inc, is a father-and-son owned and operated recycled materials company in Pennsylvania.
Member Stories
Lincoln Recycling
The third generation of the Lincoln family runs two recycling centers in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Member Stories
Potomac Metals
Learn how Potomac Metals—a Mid-Atlantic recycling company led by third-generation owner Sarah Zwilsky—drives sustainability and community outreach.
Member Stories
Manitoba Corporation
Four generations of the Shine family have led the Manitoba Corporation in upstate New York.
Safety Resources
Advancing Safety Culture in Recycling
Safety is ReMA’s number one core value. We offer a variety of industry safety services and programs for members. Learn more about how we operate safely, or not at all.
ReMA Safety Calendar
ReMA’s monthly EHS calendar provides links to resources on specific environmental, health, and safety topics for the recycled materials industry. We encourage you to use these tools as training resources throughout the year.
Circle of Safety ExcellenceTM
The ReMA Circle of Safety Excellence™ (COSE) is a member-only initiative offered by ReMA to help improve worker, vehicle and facility safety within the recycled materials industry. COSE members consist of like-minded companies which voluntarily come forward to share best practices.
Advocacy efforts
Pathway to Advocacy
From federal and state to international, ReMA’s advocacy efforts build on the role the recycled materials industry has in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for our planet and our economy.
Education Efforts
Commitment to Education
Learn about the people and commodities that make up this dynamic industry and create a more resilient and sustainable future for all!
Youth Outreach
Educating future recycling leaders begins during formative school-aged years. ReMA has partnered with JASON Learning on recycling-based STEM curriculum to help students and educators understand the importance of recycling and the recycled materials industry.
Events
Stay up to date on the recycled materials industry with ReMA events. Find opportunities to build your skills and network, while learning how to grow your business. You can’t afford not to be a part of it.
Education & Resources
Build your industry knowledge and network with ReMA. Explore events, and find opportunities to network in your region. Learn about the recycled materials industry and our impact.