However, many citizens and state and local governments are recognizing that there is more value to recycling materials than trashing them in the landfill. Recycling protects and expands U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases U.S. competitiveness. Recycling reduces the need for landfilling and incineration. Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials. Recycling saves energy.
Recycling decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
Recycling conserves natural resources such as timer, water, and minerals. Recycling helps sustain the environment for future generations. There is also a wealth of information publications on recycling on the EPA national reduce, reuse, recycle website, and the EPA Jobs Through Recycling website.