Did you know…..
…..there are at least 17 Indiana companies and organizations that refurbish, resell or recycle electronics, employ Hoosiers, pay taxes, and reinvest profits in our state?
Reusing and recycling e.Scrap is not just good for the environment -- it’s good for Indiana’s economy as well. When you reuse and recycle e.Scrap, you support Indiana companies and a network of hundreds of e.Scrap organizations across the U.S.
When Indiana companies manage your e.Scrap here at home, jobs are created in a high-tech field. In addition, those companies pay local and state taxes, which support Indiana’s infrastructure and economy. In turn, Hoosier workers spend the money they make in their own communities, supporting local retail stores, restaurants and other local businesses. Every job created in Indiana has a ripple effect, which makes our communities stronger and our economy more robust.
In 2001, a national study (see National Recycling Economic Impact Study at: http://www.epa.gov/jtr/econ/rei-rw/result.htm) of reuse and recycling businesses demonstrated that there were nearly 200 electronics demanufacturers and recyclers in the U.S. employing nearly 4000 people. This study also showed that this industry had over $435,000 in annual receipts and paid over $93,000 in annual payroll. In addition, it estimated that many more jobs are created in a multiplier effect. That is, jobs in retail, transportation and other industries that support the e.Scrap reuse and recycling businesses also help the economy a great deal. Since the 2001 study, it is estimated that there are close to 800 reuse and recycling operations across the U.S.
In Indiana alone, this 2001 study showed annual payroll exceeded $650,000, and estimated receipts were over $3.7 million. However, it’s important to note that the electronics reuse and recycling industry has sky-rocketed since the study was completed, so while impressive, these figures are likely a small percentage of what the industry represents today! For example, the number of e.Scrap reuse and reycycling establishments has more than tripled since the study was completed, though updated payroll and other details are not available.
In general, about three times more jobs are created in reuse and recycling than in disposal. Even though there is significantly more disposal occurring than recycling, you might find it surprising that revenues from reuse and recycling are substantially higher than those from disposal. This is due to the fact that reuse and recycling are inherently value-adding, and disposal is not.
So, next time you are considering what you should do with your electronic scrap, be sure to support the reuse and recycling organizations that help make Indiana strong and provide Hoosiers with a brighter future.
 A
Program of the Indiana
Recycling Coalition |
