Arlington, VA – Ahead of America Recycles Day on November 15, the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is putting a national spotlight on the people who make recycling work every day. Through its campaign, “Recycling Works Because We Do.”, NWRA is showcasing the drivers, equipment operators, material recovery facility employees, recycling coordinators, engineers and businesses whose work turns the public’s commitment to recycling into action.
The campaign delivers a clear message to consumers: recycling does not happen on its own. It succeeds because people show up, companies invest and communities participate. Member-submitted photos, short videos, practical recycling tips and facts will take audiences behind the scenes of the trucks, facilities, technology and processes that move recyclable materials from the curb to their next use.
“Recycling is more than a bin at the curb. It is a nationwide system powered by dedicated people and sustained by significant private-sector investment,” said Michael E. Hoffman, NWRA president and CEO. “NWRA members are committed to making recycling work. Every day, they invest in employees, collection fleets, material recovery facilities, advanced sorting technology, education and infrastructure that help communities recover valuable materials and strengthen the recycling system.”
Hoffman added, “America Recycles Day is an opportunity to recognize the professionals behind that system and to remind consumers that their choices matter. When people know what belongs in the recycling bin and follow local guidelines, they help protect workers, reduce contamination and improve the quality of materials moving through the system. Recycling works best when industry, communities and consumers work together.”
By placing employees and member companies at the center of the campaign, NWRA is showing the scale and substance of the industry’s commitment. The campaign highlights not only the people collecting and processing recyclable materials, but also the long-term investments required to maintain reliable service, modernize facilities, expand capacity and adapt to changing material streams and markets.
“Recycling Works Because We Do.” also helps consumers understand what happens after collection. Recyclable materials must be safely collected, transported, sorted, processed and prepared for manufacturers that can use them again. Each stage depends on trained professionals, sophisticated equipment and strong partnerships among residents, local governments, recycling companies and end markets.
NWRA encourages the public, policymakers and community leaders to follow the campaign, share the stories of recycling professionals and use local recycling guidance to recycle correctly. Together, those actions support a stronger, safer, and more effective recycling system.
America Recycles Day, observed annually on November 15, is a Keep America Beautiful initiative that promotes and celebrates recycling in the United States.
See the campaign in action. NWRA members are sharing how their employees and operations make recycling work in communities across the country. Featured contributors include American Waste Control, Casella Waste Systems, Coastal Waste & Recycling, Homewood Disposal, Kimble Recycling & Disposal, LRS, Machinex Technologies, Recology, Republic Services, Rumpke Waste & Recycling, USA Waste & Recycling, and WM. Follow NWRA’s LinkedIn profile to see the “Recycling Works Because We Do.” campaign featuring employee stories, recycling facts, and practical tips.
