Title: The U.S. Recycling System | America Recycles | US EPA
Headings: The U.S. Recycling System
America Recycles
The U.S. Recycling System
America Recycles Pledge
On this page:
U.S. Recycling System Overview
Benefits of Recycling
Recycling Saves Resources and Creates Jobs
For the environment, recycling:
For the economy, recycling:
For communities, recycling:
Current Challenges Facing the System
Actions Taken to Address the Challenges
Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System
Stakeholder Dialogues
America Recycles Day Summit
America Recycles Pledge

Content: Current challenges include: Most Americans want to recycle, as they believe recycling provides an opportunity for them to be responsible caretakers of the Earth. However, it can be difficult for consumers to understand what materials can be recycled, how materials can be recycled, and where to recycle different materials. This confusion often leads to placing recyclables in the trash or throwing trash in the recycling bin or cart. America’s recycling infrastructure has not kept pace with today’s waste stream. Communication between the manufacturers of new materials and products and the recycling industry needs to be enhanced to prepare for and optimally manage the recycling of new materials. Domestic markets for recycled materials need to be strengthened in the United States. Historically, some of the recycled materials generated in the United States have been exported internationally. However, changing international policies have limited the export of materials. There is also a need to better integrate recycled materials and end-of-life management into product and packaging designs.