Energy, Economy, and Environment.

Recycling has many economic and environmental benefits for Minnesota. Since recycling has begun in the state, it has reduced the need for landfill space dramatically; reduced CO2 emissions; reduced water and energy consumption; as well as conserved natural resources. All of this has impacted Minnesota, as well the global community, positively.

Recycling reduces energy use.

• When we recycle we reduce the energy consumed by creating new products. This reduced energy consumption lowers a community’s green house gas emissions and lowers the overall impact of climate change in Minnesota and throughout the world.

Recycling is important for our economy.

• Our recyclable material has tremendous economic value. The 1 million tons of material which could be recycled has an estimated value of $312 million. It costs Minnesotans $200 million to throw it away.


• The recycling industry directly and indirectly supports approximately 20,000 jobs; paying an estimated $760 million in wages and adding nearly $3 billion to the state’s economy.

Recycling is important for our environment.

• In 2006 the impact of residential recycling efforts saved 46 trillion BtU’s of energy-this equates to enough energy to power all of the homes in Ramsey County for a year!


• There is still an estimated 1.3 million tons of waste generated which could have been recycled.


• By reducing the amount of energy needed to create products from raw materials, we reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned. This translates into reduced greenhouse gas production, reduced impact on global warming, cleaner water resources, and reduced water consumption.

Recycle MORE Minnesota encourages you to recycle more-the impact really is exponential.