PA businesses increase recyclable material use

Source: Manufacturing Digital

Date :9/6/2007 8:57:22 AM

Pennsylvania is making $1 million available to manufacturers so they can buy equipment that increases their use of recycled content in finished products.

"We are investing in innovative Pennsylvania companies that are helping us use environmental protection to improve the state's economy," Governor Edward G. Rendell says. "This $1 million will help companies that are finding new ways to use more types of recyclable materials than ever before. Recycling is growing in Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania is investing in the future of recycling."

Pennsylvania continues to benefit from the record-setting collection of cans, bottles, office paper and other recyclable materials. These recyclable materials, used by manufacturers to produce new goods, are preserving our natural resources and creating jobs in every corner of the state.

Last year's recipients of Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development grants leveraged the state's $927,000 investment with more than $3 million of their own capital.

The Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development program awards grants of up to $500,000 for purchases of machinery or equipment that will increase consumption of recyclable materials recovered in Pennsylvania. The grants are made to businesses and nonprofit organizations that will manufacture a product or reuse an existing product using recyclable materials.

Pennsylvania's recycling and reuse industry leads Northeastern states in employment, payroll and sales numbers. More than 3,247 recycling and reuse businesses and organizations make more than $18.4 billion in gross annual sales and pay $305 million in taxes. Recycling and reuse industries in Pennsylvania employ more than 81,000 people at an annual payroll of approximately $2.9 billion.

Recycling and reuse employers rely on local collection programs to provide the supply of recyclable materials. Most recycling collection programs are operated by local governments.

"Increasing demand for recyclable goods collected from Pennsylvania residents and businesses will help local recycling programs be even more successful," says Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty. "When we invest in recycling, we are investing in Pennsylvania employers, local collection programs and, ultimately, a better environment."

Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste in 2005, the latest year for which statistics are available. The economic value of those materials was estimated at $577.4 million. The estimated value of avoided disposal costs was more than $262.7 million, most of which would have been paid by local governments and taxpayers.

Pennsylvania's 2005 recycling efforts saved almost 98 trillion British thermal units, or Btu, of energy, which was enough to power more than 940,000 homes for one year in Pennsylvania. The performance also conserved natural resources and helped to reduce air and water pollution.

Applications for Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development grants will be accepted until Nov. 1.

"This grant program is a win for the environment, for Pennsylvania's economy and for communities all across the state," McGinty says.