America Recycles Day, November 15, 2007

In 2006, the United States produced 251 million tons of municipal solid waste, approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per person per day. Most of this material is recyclable. Recycling benefits the environment at every stage in the life cycle of a consumer product, from the raw material used to make the product, to the final method of disposal. Environmental benefits of recycling include:

• Conserving energy and natural resources;
• Providing feedstock for key domestic industries;
• Reducing air and water pollution; and
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By using our resources wisely, we strengthen our economy and national security. Literally thousands of products are recyclable, including paper, yard waste, motor oil, tires, plastic, glass, batteries, building materials, and obsolete electronic products.

It's important to recognize used materials as a product or commodity and not simply waste. . You can do that on November 15, 2007, by participating in America Recycles Day . America Recycles Day helps people understand how everyday activities - be it reading a newspaper, eating lunch, drinking a bottle of water, or mailing a package - affect our environment. The materials we use and the actions we take in our daily lives each affect the environment in some way. By committing ourselves to producing less waste, reusing and recycling more materials, buying more recycled and recyclable products, and reducing toxic chemicals in products and waste, we conserve energy and preserve natural resources.

EPA is proud to be part of the 10th annual America Recycles Day as both a participant and a sponsor. America Recycles Day is a partnership between government, industry, and environmental organizations to promote and encourage recycling nationwide. America Recycles Day is an important part of EPA's drive to achieve our goal of a 35 percent national recycling rate.