Expanding Plastics Recycling Could Support Nearly $50 Billion in Annual Economic Output and Thousands of U.S. Jobs

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new analysis released today by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) found that if just 50% of plastics in the municipal solid waste stream were redirected from landfills to recycling facilities, the U.S. could gain an estimated 173,200 jobs, $12.8 billion in annual payroll, and $48.7 billion in additional annual economic output.

The analysis shows the estimated combined impact of mechanical and advanced (nonmechanical) recycling technologies working together to process a broad range of used plastics. Mechanical recycling is designed to efficiently process items such as water or laundry detergent bottles and a variety of nonmechanical recycling technologies can convert hard-to-recycle plastics, such as flexible packaging and synthetic clothing, back into their original building blocks to make new products.

"Strengthening our recycling infrastructure is a win for U.S. manufacturing and helps keep more used plastics out of landfills and in the economy," said Ross Eisenberg, president of America's Plastic Makers. "This report shows that modernizing and expanding plastics recycling can strengthen domestic supply chains, create thousands of skilled jobs, and provide the high-quality recycled materials that brands and manufacturers want to add to their products."

Key Findings

• 173,200 total jobs supported nationwide, including 43,300 direct positions operating recycling facilities.
• $12.8 billion annual payroll across direct, indirect, and payroll induced spending effects.
• $48.7 billion in annual economic output, including $16.4 billion generated directly by recycling facilities.

How Do We Get There?
Building a stronger recycling system starts with smart, practical policies that encourage innovation and investment. Technology-neutral approaches with strong environmental standards that support all forms of recycling will capture more used plastics that can be converted into new products.

Read more about how to scale up recycling in the United States here.

Read the full analysis here.

American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division
The American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division represents America's Plastic Makers^SM and the hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians who develop plastics essential to modern life. From healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water, plastics drive innovation and strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting key industries and creating well-paying jobs. Companies are investing billions annually in U.S. production and recycling, advancing manufacturing and efficiency across economic sectors. We envision a future where all plastic products are reused or recycled, conserving resources and creating a cleaner, safer and more resilient world.

American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council's mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council