It is dominantly known that well managed recycling process contributes to the well being of the environment. This month, the United States' Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity published a paper outlining several economic benefits recycling has generated for the state.

According to the report, "the 2,173 recycling establishments in Illinois employed an estimated 40,000 people in 2009," and the industry itself indirectly contributed to the employment of 71,500 more people. As well, "a total of $17 billion in gross receipts were generated by the recycling, recycling reliant, and reuse and remanufacturing industries," while indirect contributions totaled to $30.3 billion in gross receipts.

(Source: Illinois report lists economic impact of recycling [Business Week])