ISRI: 2010 US scrap recycling earnings up 40%

United States – New figures from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) in the USA reveal that the sector is thriving there despite the lingering effects of the global recession, with a 40% increase in recycling by value.

ISRI President Robin Wiener reported that the UIS recycling industry turned more than 130 million tonnes of metal, paper, plastics, glass, textiles, rubber and electronics, worth more than US$ 77 billion, into specification grade commodities in 2010 for domestic consumption and to more than 155 export markets. The industry employs some 110,000 workers.

Volumes by commodity in 2010 compared with the previous year are as follows:

Iron and steel: 74 million tonnes (+4 million)

Paper: 46.8 million tonnes (+1.4 million)

Aluminium: 4.6 million tonnes (-100 000)

Copper: 1.9 million tonnes (+200 000)

Lead: 1.2 million tonnes (-100 000)

Zinc: 160 000 tonnes (+10 000)

Plastic bottles (2009): 654 220 tonnes (-4170 tonnes from 2008)

Electronics: 3.5 million tonnes (+1.7 million tonnes)

Tyres (by number): 90 million (+10 million)