What types of businesses make-up the recycling and reuse industry?

• Long-established sectors like paper and steel making
• New entrepreneurial ventures such as composting and plastic and rubber product manufacturers
• Companies that refurbish used electronic appliances, computer equipment and office and home furnishings.

Why is this industry an important contributor the nation's manufacturing base?

• More than 56,000 public and private sector facilities
• 1.1 million jobs
• $236 billion in gross, annual sales
  
• $37 billion in annual payroll

What are the largest sectors of the recycling industry?

• Recycled paper and paperboard mills, with 139,375 employees and $49 billion in annual receipts
• Steel mills, with 118,544 employees and $46 billion in annual receipts
• Recycled plastics converters, with 178,700 employees and $28 billion in annual receipts
• Iron and steel foundries, with 126,313 employees and $16 billion in annual receipts

How does the size of the recycling industry compare to other major industries?

• Comparable to the auto and truck manufacturing industry
• Significantly larger than mining and waste management and disposal industries
• Wages for workers in the recycling are notably higher than the national average for all industries

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