America Recycles Day, the only nationally recognized day for promoting recycling in the United States, expands into America Recycles Month this November. Organized by Keep America Beautiful since 1997, the initiative aims to boost the national recycling rate from 32% toward a 50% goal by 2030. Participants can engage through daily challenges, pledges, and local events across the country.
Every November 15, America Recycles Day encourages communities to recycle correctly and reduce waste. In 2025, Keep America Beautiful has broadened the event into America Recycles Month, featuring daily challenges that participants can share using #AmericaRecycles and by tagging @KeepAmericaBeautiful on social media. A 2025 survey by The Harris Poll for Keep America Beautiful found that 87% of Americans view recycling as essential, yet the national rate remains at 32%, up from less than 7% in 1960.
Individuals can get involved by taking the Recycling Reality Check Quiz to identify common mistakes or by committing to the #BeRecycled Pledge, which includes learning local recycling rules, acting to reduce waste and buy recycled products within a month, and sharing the pledge with others. The Greatest American Cleanup offers opportunities for community litter removal and recycling, while supporting the EPA's National Recycling Goal targets 50% by 2030.
Local guidelines vary; curbside programs typically accept cardboard, metal cans, and paper but not plastic bags, electronics, or batteries. Resources like the EPA’s Common Recyclables guide and Earth911’s Recycling Locator help identify accepted items.
Organizers can host events such as electronics drives, waste-free school lunches, or cleanup activities, with Keep America Beautiful providing support. Several 2025 events are planned, including the UpCycle Festival in Norfolk, Virginia, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, featuring workshops on composting and plastic pollution solutions; a free drive-thru recycling in Tuolumne County, California, at Mother Lode Fairgrounds; and an electronics event in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Proper recycling reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and supports jobs. The EPA’s 2020 study on 2012 data shows recycling created 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages, and $5.5 billion in tax revenues, with 1.17 jobs per 1,000 tons of materials recycled. Making recycling a year-round habit addresses ongoing challenges like confusion and inconsistent rules.