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Austin’s Recycling and Reuse Industries generated $720 million in economic impact to the city in 2014, according to a new study. The recycling and reuse industries also support over 2,600 jobs, according to a newly released study commissioned by the City of Austin’s Recycling Economic Development Program. In addition, the sector has the potential to grow more than 50 percent to over $1 billion and 4,200 jobs. In 2011, City Council adopted the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan, which called for the creation of economic development initiatives to support the city’s zero waste goal of 90 percent landfill diversion by 2040. The full report is available for download here.

Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government,...