America Recycles Day Arrives Nov. 15

Twenty years ago, only one curbside recycling program existed in the U.S. Today, there are more than 10,000 curbside programs across the country, according to Keep America Beautiful (KAB).

America Recycles Day (ARD) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. On Nov. 15, the 12th annual ARD will be observed, providing a snapshot of recycling across the country.

“While we’re celebrating recycling on America Recycles Day, recycling isn’t a one-day proposition,” Rob Wallace, vice president of communications for KAB, tells Earth911. “It should be a 24/7, 365-day effort.”

On Nov. 15, thousands of people across the U.S. will participate in local events to promote recycling. Photo: Flickr/Unfrenziedspace

According to Wallace, almost 650 volunteer coordinators are putting together more than 2,000 events throughout the country, working with more than 6,000 organizations like scout troops, hospitals, schools, churches and municipalities to raise awareness about recycling.

You can find these local events or register your event or service project to help spread the word on the ARD site. Earth911.com also hosts a local events search where you can list your party or project year round.

While the days surrounding ARD may be filled with fun events, the message of the day is a serious one.

“The timing this year is particularly interesting, as the nation is considering clean energy and climate change as an issue,” says Wallace. “Recycling is the simplest and easiest thing people can do to have a real impact on climate change.”

According to AmericaRecyclesDay.org, last year, the amount of energy saved from recycling aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging was equivalent to:

• The amount of electricity consumed by 17.8 million Americans in one year
• The amount of gasoline used in almost 11 million passenger automobiles in one year
• 7.9 percent of electricity generation from fossil fuels in the U.S. in one year

“We really want this to be an educational platform where people learn about their own recycling resources,” says Wallace. “We also want people to think about how they can do more or encourage various institutions like their church or office to learn more about where they can be expanding their recycling. Education is the key.”