Posts tagged ISRI

Our recycling customers make a significant contribution to our economy as well as sustainability. The industry recycled 135 million metric tons of materials in 2014. The material was diverted from landfills to produce new products, reducing the need to mine or harvest new resources, with less energy expended during the process.  

The Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries summarized the economic benefit of this activity in a 2015 study. The industry supports 470,000 plus jobs and generates $105 billion in economic activity. This includes downstream suppliers such as auto wrecking yards, independent scrappers, and firms that provide equipment and services to the industry.
Recycling contributes about 0.68% of the national economic activity and generates about $11 billion in federal, state, and local taxes annually. Recycling helps the US trade balance with exports to over 160 countries valued at nearly $21 billion in 2014.
ISRI summarized the report in this short video.

Recycling may seem like a recent trend to many, but it’s been going on in the United States for over 200 years.  Part of the industry lore is a story the Continental Congress had to also buy scrap to help supply materials for the purchase of muskets for the young nation.  I wish we had that document around for verification.  I’d like to see the names on it.  Patriot Iron & Metal or Revere & Sons maybe?

Today, all recycling industries play a vital role in our economy.  The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) put together some numbers for 2013.

• 130 metric tons of materials were recycled in 2013
• These products represent $87 billion in economic impact to the nation
• 140,000 people are employed in recycling nationwide
• As a net exporter of recycled materials, the nation’s trade balance was improved by $24 billion dollars
• Recycled materials use less energy than virgin materials, helping curb greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability

Here is a short video by ISRI introducing the industry impact in the USA.

We appreciate all those at the 2011 ISRI show who stopped by to talk wear parts and shredders with us.  Thanks for your interest and a great convention.  We look forward to helping many of you get wear parts that work harder for you into your machines and increase non-ferrous yields with our K2 Recovery Grates^TM.