According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans’ collective recycling and composting efforts kept over 87 million tons of material out of landfills in 2013, preventing the release of roughly 186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the air. That had the same effect as taking more than 39 million vehicles off the road for an entire year. As you can see, our individual and community recycling efforts really add up to make a huge difference.
While most people know recycling keeps solid waste out of landfills and reduces pollution, many still do not realize that it is also a significant economic generator. According to the Missouri Recycling Association (MORA), in 2012, Missouri exports of waste and scrap totaled $451 million. Recycling also creates jobs in the Show-Me State by attracting businesses interested in processing and using recycled materials. In fact, MORA reports that more than 25,000 jobs are directly related to Missouri’s recycling industries. This is good news, but better yet is the fact that there is still tremendous growth potential within the recycling industry, and we should be actively looking for more ways to tap into this environmentally and economically beneficial sector.
In my office at the Capitol, we have two large recycling containers — one for paper and one for plastic and aluminum. My family and I also recycle as much as possible at home. I encourage every resident of the 21st District to learn more about what can be recycled and the myriad ways recycling and composting benefit our local environment and economy.
Many communities have a centralized location to drop off recyclable items, and some even have a curbside pick-up service. For more information, click here or visit the Department of Natural Resources website to determine if there is a recycling center near you.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Caldwell, Carroll, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Ray and Saline counties in the 21st State Senatorial District.