Recycling News

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Recycling adds jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) notes that the scrap recycling industry added 10,000 jobs between the first quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, as demonstrated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Estimates put the industry’s total number of jobs at about 113,000.

The BLS statistics follow ISRI’s recent announcement that the thriving industry has grown 40% since 2009 in terms of monetary value – despite the lingering effects of the global recession.

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Do you know the way to San Jose?

SAN JOSE—The City of San José and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have launched the Clean Creeks, Healthy Communities pilot program.

The Clean Creeks, Healthy Communities pilot program will be aimed at reducing pollution and improving water quality along a three-mile stretch of Coyote Creek. The program will employ and assist the homeless, deter dumping and litter, and engage neighbors as creek stewards along San José’s Coyote Creek.

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So, what’s the excuse?

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A study released by Moore Recycling Associates Inc. found that a much larger portion of the U.S. population has ready access to recycle commonly used plastics than previously believed.

Specifically the study, “Plastics Recycling Collection: National Reach Study,” found that 94% of Americans have access to recycle plastic bottles and 40% of the population also can recycle other types of plastic containers, such as yogurt cups, dairy tubs and lids.

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Competitive grant encourages recycling

SAN FRANCISCO —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City of San José, and other state and local partners have announced a competitive grant being awarded to reduce trash to San Francisco Bay. Coyote Creek is a severely trash-impaired waterway with pollution significantly damaging the creek’s healthy habitat for fish and wildlife.

Congress has appropriated $22 million to EPA since 2008 for the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund (SFBWQIF), which now supports 31 projects and leverages $13 million throughout the Bay Area. The EPA’s competitive grant program is helping protect California wetlands, and improve water quality.

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