It Pays for Communities to Recycle.

The last impact study conducted by the Iowa Department of Economic Development found that the fiscal benefits from Iowa recyclable materials processing activities was $3.9 million in local government revenue and $2.4 million in state government revenue.

A 2001 study found that recycling-related end-use manufacturing operations sustain over 23,000 jobs generate nearly $3.33 billion in total industrial output.

The Number of Iowa Communities Offering Curbside Recycling is Growing.

600+ Iowa communities have curbside recycling - Source: Iowa DNR

1.2 million tons of materials are recycled in Iowa each year. - Source: Iowa DNR

The Number of People Recycling at Home is Actually DECREASING!

The percentage of people who recycle has been steadily decreasing for more than 20 years. In 1980, more than 80 percent of people said they recycled. By 2003, that number was hovering around 70 percent. - Source: National Recycling Coalition

The number one reason people cite for not recycling at home is inconvenience. - Source: National Recycling Coalition

Businesses Have Stepped Up Their Recycling Efforts

Iowa grocers recycle 500,000 tons of cardboard and 1,000,000 feet of shrink wrap each year.