The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sends out heartfelt thanks to all of America's recycling workers for providing this essential service. This important work creates jobs and the containers, packaging and products needed, as well as keeping the public safe and healthy.

“Right now, there is a critical need for raw materials in the manufacturing supply chain, especially paper and cardboard,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Business closures and limited operations means less recycled material for American manufactures, and we all must do our part to recycle more and recycle right to fill this immediate need.”

Americans all over the country are staying home, getting more deliveries in cardboard boxes, eating at home, and generating more material than normal, much of which can be recycled.

EPA encourages households to do their part – recycle more and recycle correctly so the right materials are available for U.S. manufacturers. To do so:

Check with your local recycling hauler to see what materials they accept right now and recycle what you can from your home.
Break down shipping and food boxes, rinse out containers and cans, keep them dry and clean, and put them in your curbside bin to be recycled.
Keep disinfectant wipes, gloves, masks, other PPE and medical waste out of recycling bins.

Check out the links below to learn more on how you can do your part by recycling.