United States Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA)

Memo
To: Administrator Michael S. Regan
From: Rashae Williams
CC: Dr. Lois Warner
Date: October 11, 2022
Re: Public Policy Problem - Recycling in the United States

In recent years, the current policies and behaviors surrounding recycling in the United States
have become a major concern. While it’s true that recycling rates have improved steadily in the
past few decades, there are still studies showing that 75% of waste Americans produce can be
recycled or composted, but only one third of Americans actually recycle or compost.1 A few of
these same studies are showing increased environmental, social, and economical concerns as a
result of poor recycling. In other words, the waste being produced in the US is growing more
quickly than the US’s efforts to reduce or recycle it.

According to data on the official Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, the United
States recycled and composted just 32.1% of all municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018.2 Even
more surprising, the US produces more than 12% of the planet’s trash but is only home to 4% of
the world’s population.3 Each year there is an increase in the creation of non-recyclable
materials, and many individuals grow up without a complete understanding or thorough
education of how to recycle properly, which further contributes to the issue.

The consequences of this severe lack in proper recycling increase in intensity each year. These
consequences include garbage pile ups in communities, an increase in the number of landfills (or
landfills running out of space), an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, rapid loss of fossil fuels,
diminishing of natural resources, and damage to the environment (including local flora and
fauna).4 Landfills that emit intense greenhouse gases are not limited to harming only the
environment (by causing climate change), but they also contribute to air pollution and respiratory

1
Zhuling Liu, Janet Z. Yang, Amy Bloomfield, Susan S. Clark, Michael A. Shelly (2022). Predicting recycling intention in New York
state: The impact of cognitive and social factors. Environmental Development. Volume 43.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2022.100712.
2
Environmental Protection Agency. (2022, July 31). National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling.
EPA. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-
materials
3
Environment America Research and Policy Center. (2021, September 29). Trash in America.
https://environmentamerica.org/center/resources/trash-in-america-2/
4
Closed Loop Recycling. (2022, January 14). The Negative Effects of Not Recycling. https://closedlooprecycling.us/the-negative-
effects-of-not-recycling/

1
disease.5 These gases are 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Another article explains that
recycling a single run of the Sunday New York times would save 75,000 trees.6 The benefits of
recycling directly correlate with the resolution of these consequences, and also include additional
incentives such as an increase in jobs and altruism among communities.7

In a report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence about Natural Resources in
2020, 2030, and 2040, it states, “the world is entering an intensified period of resource stress…
the developing world will continue to drive increased consumer demand for key resources.”8 The
report further explains that by 2040 they anticipate systemic shocks and instabilities as natural
resources are reduced.

There are many factors that contribute to the US’s insufficient recycling beyond lack of
education or public interest. From an economic standpoint, according to an article from the
Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy, fluctuating markets make it difficult to predict or
manage recycling operations, and community programs do not have sufficient funds to anticipate
these swings.9 Adding to the difficulty, the burden of recycling cost and operation falls onto the
shoulders of society rather than consumers and producers of waste. Much of the financial cost for
recycling comes out of municipal taxes, and city and local governments are then responsible for
following through with recycling policies made at the state or federal level. These funds are
rarely sufficient and broad policies are not always easily applicable to smaller scenarios.

According to the EPA, the National Recycling Goal for the US is to increase recycling rates to
50 percent by 2030.10 While admirable, in order to reach this goal, governments would need to
make necessary changes in policy, as explained on their website. The strategy in place identifies
necessary actions for stakeholders and the recycling industry, but only with proper participation
and action can the strategy prove effective.

In conclusion, the United States is currently experiencing a nationwide recycling crisis. The
current resources and policies in place are not sufficient to keep up with the increase in waste
produced in the country each year. The environmental and social consequences of not recycling
are intense and will only continue to get worse. The risks associated can damage not just human
health but future quality of living for national residents.

5
Nunez, C. (2022, May 9). Carbon dioxide levels are at a record high. Here’s what you need to know. Environment.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/greenhouse-gases
6
Jones, L. (2020, December 11). Why Recycle? Environmental Center. https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2020/12/10/why-
recycle
7
US EPA. (2021, December 21). Recycling Basics. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics
8
Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (2013). Natural Resources in 2020, 2030, and 2040: Implications for the United
States. National Intelligence Council Report.
9
Rogoff MJ, Ross DE. (2016). The future of recycling in the United States. Waste Management & Research. Volume 34. 181-183.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X16629599
10
US EPA. (2022, September 1). U.S. National Recycling Goal. https://www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/us-national-recycling-goal