U.S. could boost economy by trillions by recycling: Opinion

Cassius Clark

Ever since I was little, I cared about the environment and nature. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t. When you begin learning about climate change, that inevitably leads to learning about recycling.

Imagine boosting the U.S. economy by up to $1.5 trillion while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. This isn’t out of reality, but a possibility you throw away every day.

Growing older, people tend to think about logistics in problem solving. When I started thinking about climate change, I began realizing that recycling is the most simple, cheap and efficient way to reshore American manufacturing.

Post-COVID the supply chain went bonkers; global trade stopped; and we realized this massive globalization is not beneficial. We need to be self-reliant.

The U.S. currently stands as the largest importer of goods in the world, but the second largest exporter.

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Americans are bringing in all these raw materials that are not being reused. The U.S. is one of the most wasteful countries in the world, and I’ve always wondered why we’re like that.

In a world where the U.S. has even a partial circular economy, the GDP would be likely to grow by $883 billion to $1.5 trillion.

Sadly, for years it’s been common practice for the U.S. to send all our raw recyclables to China to turn them into different products that are sold right back to the U.S. as cheaper products. In 2017, China banned the importing of recycling waste. This marked a perfect moment for the reshoring of this process.

Recycling creates a never-ending supply of raw materials for American manufacturer. That provides for jobs, exports, money and a stronger supply chain. This reduces our dependence on foreign resources and international markets.

While some would like to argue that recycling is too expensive, the long-term economic benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Many people don’t know recycling creates 30 times more jobs than landfills for every ton of waste processed.

Even while focusing on manufacturing, it’s hard to note the many other benefits that recycling brings. It brings high-wage jobs to communities that need it. It saves time, energy and money for the company and the person.

One mind-blowing fact everyone should know is that recycling one aluminum can saves enough power to run a television for three hours straight. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, recycling has created 534,000 jobs in the U.S. with an average wage of $76,000, which is 38% higher than the national average.

If America had a reliable way of composting and accepted more items for recycling like plastic bags, films and electronics, we could begin exporting hundreds of billions of more items and lower costs of everyday items like paper and appliances.

Soon the amount of accepted recycling could skyrocket thanks to the implementation of AI and robotics at sorting facilities, which lower labor costs and on-the-job injuries. This makes it safer for workers and gives an ability to handle more products.

For example, in 2018, the recycling industry processed 94 million tons of material, but in 2030 it is expected to go to 160.6 million tons.

In Tulsa, establishing a robust recycling industry could create hundreds of new jobs and attract manufacturers looking for reliable sources of recycled materials, potentially revitalizing our local economy.

It’s time for policymakers, businesses and citizens to recognize recycling not just as an environmental imperative, but as a key strategy for economic growth. By investing in recycling and promoting a circular economy, we as a nation can boost American manufacturing, create jobs and build a more resilient, sustainable future.

Cassuis Clark is a sophomore at Edison Preparatory High School and co-operates EC Recycling. He is a member of the Tulsa World Youth Advisory Board. 

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