Recycling Worth $746 Million, 4,800 Jobs to Connecticut Economy

Connecticut Economic Resource Center Study Finds 'Vibrant and Growing Sector'

HARTFORD, Conn. — Three-quarters of a billion dollars and 4,800 jobs.

That’s the impact that recycling is making on Connecticut’s economy in 2012, according to a study by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CERC), released today.

And since 2006, recycling has been worth nearly $5.17 billion to the state’s economy as measured in total sales, said the study, commissioned by the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA).

This analysis also shows that the recycling industry in Connecticut directly contributes $435 million in sales and provides for more than 2,710 jobs in the state’s economy.  As it ripples, it accounts for more than $738 million in total sales and 4,790 jobs per year.

“This study shows recycling is a vibrant and growing sector of our state’s economy and that CRRA, as Connecticut’s Recycling Leader, is the cornerstone of that economic sector,” said CRRA President Thomas D. Kirk.

The study also shows employment in 2012 from Connecticut’s recycling activities at more than 4,800. In terms of collective employee compensation, proprietors’ incomes, indirect business taxes, profits and other property-type income, the total value-added measured nearly $470 million, including labor income of more than $275 million and indirect business taxes of nearly $59 million and $134 estimated in dividends, interest payments, rents and profits.

CERC performed the study using an IMPLAN input-output model, which explored the total economic impact of the recycling industry at the state level and also the impacts associated with CRRA.

From 2006 through 2012, CRRA’s economic impact was $883 million in total output, 861 jobs per year, and $529 million in total value-added which includes labor income of $362 million.  In addition, CRRA, through its recycling processing center in Hartford and satellite transfer stations around the state, operates and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of the state’s total industry employment.

“While these numbers are substantial, they are conservative estimates of the overall impact of all aspects of the recycling activities in Connecticut – which reach well into other industry sectors within the state,” said Alissa DeJonge, CERC director of research.

Based in Rocky Hill, the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation and public-private partnership that provides objective research, marketing and economic development resources consistent with making Connecticut a more competitive business environment. For more information, visit www.cerc.com and connect to CERC on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@cercinc).

The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority is a quasi-public agency whose mission is to work for – and in – the best interests of the municipalities of the state of Connecticut. CRRA’s board of directors and management team develop and implement environmentally sound solutions and best practices for solid waste disposal and recycling management on behalf of municipalities. CRRA serves 74 Connecticut cities and towns. CRRA also runs award-winning sustainability education programs through the CRRA Trash Museum in Hartford. For more information about CRRA and its activities, visit http://www.crra.org. Computer users can also discuss CRRA on its blog, and follow CRRA on Twitter at @CRRA.

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Click here for an executive summary of the CERC study or click here for the full report.