GOVERNOR’S OFFICE CITES RECYCLING RECORDS: FOUR MILLION TONS, 81,000 JOBS

Pennsylvania’s recycling industry – which includes 141 manufacturers of recycled products – has created a $23.4 billion industry that employs more than 81,000 people, announced Governor Edward Rendell last month. The state’s recycling programs topped four million tons, based on reports filed by counties. “We have demonstrated that we can create a vast supply of commodities,” said Rendell, “and we’re fortunate that many can be processed and turned into new goods right here in Pennsylvania.” Department of General Services Secretary Donald Cunningham reported that the Commonwealth purchased more than $70 million worth of recycled products in the 2001-2002 fiscal year, including all paper used in agency operation, recycled plastic lumber, retreaded truck tires and rerefined oil