All of us at The Recycling Partnership are committed to the safety and well-being of everyone impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We support those at the forefront of this situation, working hard to protect and support the health of our global citizens. In areas across the U.S., nonessential businesses have been ordered to close, with health and public officials directing only essential businesses to remain open. It is our position that, with proper health and safety measures in place, recycling collection and processing is an essential business that should continue.
We are encouraged that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security guidance also recognizes the role of recycling in feedstock for manufacturing and keeping American jobs intact — and we appreciate that recognition. We continue to encourage local governments, material recovery facilities, and haulers to continue this essential service in a way that is safe for all involved. Preserving recycling is as much about preserving the economy as it is the environment. Businesses rely on the recyclables collected at curbside as their largest source for recycled content so they can remake them into new, safe products that support the U.S. health system and other critical supply chains, and as part of the circular economy.
We recognize the critical role our nation’s hard-working solid waste and recycling professionals play, and The Recycling Partnership team is here to help support our community, industry, and business partners during this difficult time. We know that during and after this pandemic, local recycling programs are going to be faced with a long list of challenges. If your town is needing support during this time, please contact us at info@recyclingpartnership.org. Our team is here to help.
The Recycling Partnership remains committed to advancing a circular economy in this country, one that supports people and the planet. More than ever before, American communities will need our support and we look forward to being there for them. Together.
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