State report: Recycling and waste reduction are vital source of jobs in the Illinois economy

DCEO report shows the 'green industry' is responsible for 111,500 jobs

[November 16, 2010]  CHICAGO -- A detailed new economic study released Monday by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity documents the vital role that the recycling and reuse industry plays in the Illinois economy. The study shows that 40,000 people in Illinois are directly employed in the industry and that recycling is responsible for 111,500 direct, indirect and induced jobs and a payroll of $3.6 billion. In terms of total economic activity, the industry is responsible for $30.3 billion in gross receipts.

"Recycling really is the original 'green' industry, and this report proves that it is a vital sector of the Illinois economy," said Gov. Pat Quinn, who has been a strong proponent of creating jobs in the green sector. "Everyone knows recycling is good for the environment, but it is creating jobs right here in Illinois and putting people to work in an important, growing field."

"This report shows that the efforts by DCEO's Division of Recycling and Waste Reduction are paying big dividends for the Illinois economy, as well as for our environment," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "Recycling and reuse helps industry by replacing materials often mined and manufactured outside of the state with materials collected and processed within Illinois. As we step up our efforts to keep Illinois on the cutting edge of the green jobs revolution, these data will guide the efforts of state and local governments as well as the entrepreneurs who are seizing the opportunities in the recycling sector."

[Text from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity news release from the Illinois Government News Network]