National Recycling Day is an annual initiative dedicated to promoting recycling efforts nationwide. While the government and major corporations play a significant role, the real shift begins with you. Discover powerful ways you can support the circular economy and make every day a recycling day.

When Is National Recycling Day?

National Recycling Day, also known as America Recycles Day, is celebrated on November 15th each year. It is a national event promoting recycling as a key contributor to a greener planet. Although it is celebrated as a single-day event nationwide, November is commonly recognized in the U.S. as National Recycling Month to further emphasize the importance of recycling initiatives.

America Recycles Day in 2025 is significant because it contributes to achieving the U.S. National Recycling Goal of reaching 50% by 2030. 

Why America Recycles Day Matters

The world is moving toward a circular economy, where resources are kept in circulation for as long as possible. U.S. efforts to recognize recycling nationwide are part of the fight against the linear economy, where waste is the endpoint of a product’s life cycle.

For example, in a traditional, linear economy, people buy their own copy of a book, read it once and then throw it away. Meanwhile, in a circular economy, the library buys one book, and it gets checked out, read and returned hundreds of times, maximizing its use. When it becomes worn, the library might repair its binding. When it’s too damaged, its paper can be recycled to create new products. This recycling effort reduces waste and encourages the value of materials to ensure longevity. 

Much like the library book example, Americans can prioritize reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling products to keep the value as long as possible for many people. The benefits of supporting National Recycling Day and beyond include:

• Elevating awareness: Better knowledge means less wishcycling, which involves putting nonrecyclables in a recycle bin, potentially damaging the process. 
• Completing the loop: The day emphasizes recycling and buying products made from recycled items. This helps close the loop of the circular economy and creates stable markets for recovered materials.
• Inspiring action: The movement motivates individuals, businesses and communities to take action and commit to sustainable practices.

6 Ways to Support the Circular Economy Through Recycling

Every action counts, and on America Recycles Day 2025, take the time to make a difference. Here are simple, yet effective, ways you can join the circular economy revolution on November 15th and beyond.

1. Give Old Items a Second Life Through Repair

The circular economy thrives on longevity. Before disposing of a broken item, consider whether it can be fixed. Although repair requires some effort, it conserves energy and materials that would otherwise be used to produce new products.

Learn basic repair skills, such as patching a small tear, sewing a button back on or tightening loose screws on furniture. Look for volunteer-led community events offering free assistance and tools to help you fix electronics and small appliances. Consider taking leather goods and jewelry to professionals. Supporting these skilled trades keeps durable items in circulation and supports local businesses. 

2. Rethink Your Wardrobe Waste

The fashion industry accounts for approximately 10% of the planet’s carbon emissions, exceeding the combined impact of maritime shipping and international flights. While fast fashion offers affordable options, it harms the environment. 

Reduce landfill contributions by organizing a clothing swap with friends, neighbors or colleagues to refresh your wardrobe and find new owners for your garments. Consider donating clean clothes you would be proud to pass on to a friend. For damaged or worn-out items — like stained shirts and socks with holes — look for textile recycling programs to transform them into rags.

3. Turn Yard Debris Into a Resource

Yard waste, such as leaves, grass clippings and trimmings, is a valuable organic resource, not trash. Managing it is good for the planet and critical for home safety. For example, before a storm, loose branches can become projectiles or clog gutters, creating a significant hazard. By finding a local composting program or recycling center, you are closing the loop on this organic waste and turning a potential danger into a valuable resource.

Utilize larger pieces of yard debris, such as twigs and branches, to create functional and decorative garden features. Use smaller ones to support perennials or weave through stems for a natural look.

4. Join Community Cleanups

Getting hands-on with a cleanup effort can help reduce pollution and support the circular economy by returning materials for reuse. Volunteering benefits the planet and your health, helping improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Join community events to identify areas frequently affected by litter. Then, take ownership of a spot — a park corner, hiking trail or a vacant lot near your home — and commit to maintaining its cleanliness.

Prepare two clearly labeled bags for litter — one for trash and one for clean, identifiable recyclables, such as aluminum cans and plastic bottles. This approach ensures recovered items are suitable for processing.

5. Tackle Food Waste in the Kitchen

Nearly 40% of food is wasted in the U.S. every year. When food ends up in a landfill, it doesn’t just disappear into the earth. It gets buried under trash, rots without oxygen and releases methane — a potent greenhouse gas — into the environment. This is a massive waste of the resources it took to get to your plate.

Keep a running list of items in your fridge to help minimize food waste. When storing food, ensure older items are placed in front of newer ones. Avoid throwing away overripe fruits — use them for smoothies and baked goods. Boil vegetable scraps and meat bones to create a delicious broth. Composting can also help reduce waste when food is no longer safe to eat. 

6. Become an E-Waste Expert

Electronic waste encompasses discarded home appliances, gadgets, entertainment devices, as well as office and medical equipment, regardless of their functionality. It’s one of the fastest-growing waste types worldwide and poses risks to both human health and the environment. 

Before buying a new device, check if the manufacturer has a trade-in program. Companies are often best equipped to responsibly dismantle and reuse their own materials. If your electronic gadget is running slowly, consider having it repaired or assessed for simple upgrades, such as increasing memory or replacing the battery, rather than purchasing a new unit.

Make Circularity Your New Normal

This America Recycles Day, commit to adopting sustainable lifestyle practices. The key is starting small — try a few tips first and identify which practices best fit your routine. Invite your friends and family to join the movement. Consistent, small actions collectively contribute to substantial environmental benefits.