The United States has been striving to improve its recycling rate for a long time. As the world turns its focus to reducing the amount of non-recyclable material it uses, reducing waste and increasing its recycling capabilities, that mission is more important than ever.

America cannot afford to get left behind by world leaders such as Germany. As a mega-rich nation, the USA would be embarrassed and ashamed to stay behind for so long. There are, however, a number of reasons why the U.S. is actually getting better and better at recycling.

Due to global pressure and an availability of quality recycling equipment, cities in the United States are beginning to set an example.

America Needs to Improve

Around two thirds of waste is recycled in Germany. This makes the country the best in the world at refusing to simply throw away used goods, and the nation has even committed to building zero-waste cities.

While the United States does not come close to the lows of Monaco or Macedonia – which recycle none of their own waste – it has a lot of catching up to do to reach the top table of sustainability. It is this pressure that is forcing it to improve, as not only do nation states push the US to do better, but its own people are too.

Global Consciousness

Younger generations continue to grow more and more concerned with morality and the environment than their predecessors. They are more likely to buy from sustainable brands, for example, and with Greta Thunberg continuing to lead school strikes, they appear more likely to take proactive stances against the climate crisis.

This is pushing Americans to be more conscious about who and where they buy from and what they do with waste once they are done with it.

Quality Recycling Equipment

This global and national pressure to do better is being complemented by an advancement in the equipment that is available for companies, big and small, to use for recycling. With recycling compactors and balers available from leading manufacturers such as Cram A Lot, businesses are able to deal with waste in versatile and manageable ways.

This recycling equipment benefits even the smallest of businesses, as their recycling capabilities advance, and waste is reduced. With the availability of selling recycling waste increasing, it is no wonder more business leaders are committing to the act.

Statistics From the Big Cities

All of the above combined has led to promising statistics coming out of some huge US cities. Reports can be inaccurate, but San Francisco is claiming to recycle more than 70% of its waste and positive signals are coming from Boulder, Colorado, too.

It is hoped that with these numbers – even if they are slightly exaggerated – an example has been set to the rest of the United States. With the equipment readily available, other nations winning the sustainability race and targets to meet, recycling levels in America should continue to rise year on year.