Earnings, jobs and innovation: the role of recycling in a green economy

Publication Created 25 Nov 2011 Published 05 Dec 2011
1 min read
EEA Report No 8/2011
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This short report explains the role of recycling in the green economy and examines the evidence of its contribution in Europe, focusing primarily on the economic benefits that recycling offers.

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: 978-92-9213-234-7
: TH-AL-11-008-EN-C
: FREE

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Figures used

Total turnover of recycling of seven key recyclables in the EU, 2004 and 2006–2009 Total turnover of recycling of seven key recyclables in the EU, 2004 and 2006–2009 'Precious metals' include silver, gold and platinum. 'Other metals' include lead, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, magnesium, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, titanium, antimony, manganese, beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, niobium, rhenium, gallium, indium and cermets. * The 2009 calculation is based on the values for only the second half of 2009. Despite the huge decline in commodity prices at the beginning of 2009 due to the economic downturn, the total turnover of recyclables recovered markedly in the second half of 2009.
Persons employed in recycling activities in the EU (*), Norway and Switzerland per million inhabitants, 2000–2007 Persons employed in recycling activities in the EU (*), Norway and Switzerland per million inhabitants, 2000–2007 (*) Data are missing for some countries in years between 2000 and 2007. The countries whose data are missing are listed in ETC/SCP, 2011.
Recycling's current and potential contribution (*) to meeting EU demand for various materials, 2006 Recycling's current and potential contribution (*) to meeting EU demand for various materials, 2006 (*) The current and potential contribution figures are both based on the infrastructure available in 2006. Future changes in collection rates, improved recycling structures and market conditions could significantly influence the potential contribution figures.
Global demand of selected emerging technologies for raw materials in 2006 and 2030 relative to global output of each material in 2006 Global demand of selected emerging technologies for raw materials in 2006 and 2030 relative to global output of each material in 2006 -
Value of EU internal and overseas trade in recyclables, 2000–2010 (*) Value of EU internal and overseas trade in recyclables, 2000–2010 (*) (*) The 2010 values are based on amounts and values for only the first half of 2010 because figures for the second half of the year were not available at the time of writing. Precious metals include silver, gold and platinum. 'Other metals' includes lead, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, magnesium, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, titanium, antimony, manganese, beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, niobium, rhenium, gallium, indium and cermets.

News and articles

Europe's demand for resources reaching far beyond its borders Europe's demand for resources reaching far beyond its borders Demand for materials is so intense that between 20 and 30 % of the resources we use in Europe are now imported. With the boom in international trade, EU consumption and production damage ecosystems and human health far beyond Europe’s borders, according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Recycling industry can boost the European economy Recycling industry can boost the European economy Recycling has multiple benefits for many areas of the economy – providing raw materials, creating jobs and encouraging business opportunities and innovation. These economic benefits of recycling are examined in a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report considers the recycling industry in the context of building a 'green economy', a major European policy objective.

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