THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF INDIANA’S RECYCLING INDUSTRY

Click here to read entire study: IRC 2013 Recycling Job StudyNEW

Click here to read Press Release: IRC Untapped Jobs Potential Study Press Release

The study, compiled by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State, recognizes the importance of giving economic value to materials commonly thrown away (e.g., paper, glass, plastics, metals and durable goods), and views any recyclable material as a significant economic commodity that can create a strong workforce and stimulate job growth. Existing waste diversion studies show a direct correlation between recycling and job creation. The Tellus Institute study titled, “More Jobs, Less Pollution” (2011), the R.W. Beck report, “The U.S. Recycling Economic Information Study” (2001) and the recent New Mexico Recycling Coalition study titled, “Adding 5,000 Jobs to New Mexico’s Economy” (2013) are among the most frequently referenced jobs studies in this policy area. These jobs studies provide important economic job growth metrics, which this study uses to estimate the potential job growth opportunities that would be created through higher statewide recycling rates in Indiana.