dec-2017

14 15 scrap metal, paper, plastic, glass, textiles, rubber, and electronics into specification grade commod- ities for use in new products. While 70 percent of the recycled commodi- ties processed last year in the United States was consumed at home, the global scrap market also provides a useful outlet for our nation’s excess scrap supply. U.S. export sales of recycled scrap significantly benefit the U.S. trade balance. In 2016, the United States exported more than 37million metric tons of scrap commodities, valued at $16.5 billion. In fact, since 2000, net exports of United States scrap have made a positive contribution to our balance of trade amounting to more than $210 billion. Recycling facilities provide jobs all across the country. Last year, the U.S. scrap recycling indus- try directly and indirectly supplied more than 534,000 Americans with employment while gen- erating nearly $117 billion in economic activity. OPENING LINES The industry paid $13.2 billion in direct federal, state, and local taxes. Recycling conserves our limited natural resourc- es and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by sig- nificantly saving the amount of energy needed to manufacture the products that we buy, build, and use every day. The energy saved by recycling may then be used for other purposes, such as heating our homes and powering our automobiles. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. represents more than 1,100 companies in 21 chapters in the U.S. and 35 countries that process, broker, and consume scrap commodities, includ- ing metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electron- ics, and textiles.With headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Institute provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Recycling facilities provide jobs all across the country. Last year, the U.S. scrap recycling in- dustry directly and indirectly supplied more than 534,000 Americans with employment while generating nearly $117 billion in economic ac- tivity. The industry paid $13.2 billion in direct federal, state, and local taxes.