4 Recycling Businesses You Can Start Next Year

Julie Starr • December 16, 2021



America’s recycling industry is booming due to the large amount of waste produced in the country. According to an EPA study, recycling and reuse activities accounted for about $37.8 billion in wages and 681,000 jobs in 2016. Numerous opportunities remain available in the industry for people seeking to start a business with a small investment. Therefore, consider starting a recycling business next year to do your part for the environment and earn a decent income while at it. Below are some recycling businesses you can start next year.

  • Plastic recycling

Plastic recycling is one of the best and profitable recycling businesses you can set up in the US. Research reveals that America is the world’s leading producer of plastic waste . In addition, a Greenpeace article suggests that America lacks enough plastic recycling companies due to China halting its waste imports and local recycling facilities being overwhelmed by the huge amounts of plastic waste that must be processed. Consequently, there is always room for recycling businesses whose efforts can change this reality. Plastic waste is abundant in the country, so your primary income source will never run dry. What’s more, you can obtain a government grant to set your company up in no time.

  • Refill toner cartridges

Fax machines, photocopiers, and printers used toners and ink cartridges that you can recycle easily by replenishing the ink. However, few enterprises and individuals take advantage of this, creating an opportunity for your small-scale business. After mastering some refilling skills, investing in a few tools, and arranging delivery to your patrons, you can readily start your business. Your business will enjoy a tremendous competitive advantage over new toner cartridge retailers because you can provide refills for nearly half the price without sacrificing profits. However, consider learning about the LLC application process to establish your company as a Limited Liability Company and enjoy the tax perks and flexible management inherent in this business structure.

  • Collect scrap metal

There is no shortage of opportunities in the scrap metal collection and sales sector, so consider setting up a business in this industry. As a scrap metal collector, you will typically pick up your materials from homeowners, remodeling projects, and other sources and then sell them to larger recyclers. The startup cost for this business is typically low, and you can easily expand with time. However, you will need essential machinery and equipment like a pickup truck, net and tie-downs, gloves, and safety shoes when starting, so keep this in mind. Also, scrap metal collection needs more manual labor than most recycling businesses, so budget for this.

  • Venture into paper recycling

Paper recycling has been thriving locally since the Chinese ban on America’s waste import, so there is a lot of cash to be made in this industry if you play your cards well. You can strike a business deal with offices or any other large paper consumer in your locality to get your primary resource for free. Then, feed your paper into machines to create a pulp after collecting it. This method demands a lot of water, so keep this in mind when drafting your practical business plan.

Leveraging Social Media for Effective Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • March 10, 2025
​In today's rapidly evolving political and environmental landscape , transparent communication has become a cornerstone of effective sustainability efforts. At Taiga Company, we recognize that fostering open dialogues with stakeholders is not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic imperative. Social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools in this endeavor, enabling real-time engagement, education, and collaboration.​ The Imperative of Transparency in Sustainability Transparency in sustainability reporting involves openly sharing information about a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This openness builds trust with stakeholders—customers, employees, investors, and the broader community—by demonstrating accountability and commitment to sustainable practices. According to the Global Reporting Initiative , credible disclosures based on transparent communication can change perceptions, build trust, and motivate action towards greater sustainability. ​ Moreover, transparent communication allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. It also mitigates risks associated with misinformation and greenwashing, where companies may be accused of falsely portraying their products or policies as environmentally friendly. As noted in discussions on green public relations , transparency is crucial in combating the climate crisis, as it prevents companies from remaining impervious to advocacy and resistant to change if obligations are purely voluntary. ​ Leveraging Social Media for Stakeholder Engagement Social media platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for companies to engage with stakeholders on sustainability issues. Here's how businesses can effectively utilize these platforms:​ Real-Time Communication: Social media enables immediate dissemination of information regarding sustainability initiatives, progress, and challenges. This real-time communication keeps stakeholders informed and engaged, fostering a sense of inclusion and partnership.​ Educational Content : By sharing educational materials—such as articles, infographics , and videos—companies can raise awareness about sustainability topics, influencing public perception and encouraging responsible behavior.​ Interactive Engagement : Platforms like LinkedIn, and Instagram allow for two-way communication, where stakeholders can ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. This interactivity enhances transparency and shows that the company values stakeholder input.​ Storytelling : Sharing stories about sustainability efforts, employee initiatives, and community partnerships humanizes the company's brand and makes sustainability goals more relatable and compelling.​ Collaborative Campaigns : Social media facilitates collaboration with other organizations, influencers, and the community to amplify sustainability messages and drive collective action.​ Transparent communication through social media is not merely a trend but a vital component of modern sustainability strategies. It empowers stakeholders, enhances corporate reputation, and contributes to the global effort towards a more sustainable future.

Amplifying Climate Action: The Critical Role of Communications in Advancing Davos 2025 Initiatives

By Julie Starr • March 3, 2025
At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, leaders from around the globe convened to address pressing environmental challenges. The discussions underscored the urgency of climate action and highlighted innovative solutions to safeguard our planet. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in amplifying these efforts, ensuring that critical initiatives gain traction, engagement, and long-term support. Here are three key takeaways from Davos 2025 and the vital role of communications in advancing these initiatives: Launch of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor A landmark announcement was the creation of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor , aiming to restore and protect 540,000 km² of land across the Congo basin. This initiative not only seeks to conserve biodiversity but also to foster sustainable economic growth for local communities. The Role of Communications: Strategic storytelling can elevate awareness of the Green Corridor’s impact, ensuring that global audiences understand its significance. Media engagement and public relations efforts can generate widespread support from governments, NGOs, and investors. Thought leadership initiatives can position conservation experts as authorities, driving further collaboration and funding. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Solutions Davos 2025 emphasized the importance of blending cutting-edge climate science with the wisdom of indigenous communities. This approach ensures that solutions are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive. The Role of Communications: Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that indigenous voices are heard and respected in global decision-making forums. Social media and digital storytelling can amplify the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities, fostering greater appreciation and inclusion in policy frameworks. Clear, accessible messaging can bridge gaps between scientific research, policymaking, and indigenous traditions, leading to more holistic climate solutions. Recognition of Groundbreaking Environmental Initiatives The inaugural Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards at Davos honored five innovative projects advancing systemic transformations for people and the planet. The Role of Communications: Public relations efforts can shine a spotlight on award-winning initiatives, securing media coverage that attracts further investment and collaboration. Brand positioning and digital outreach can help environmental organizations establish credibility and thought leadership in sustainability. Social media engagement can rally communities around these initiatives, ensuring continued momentum and impact beyond Davos. In conclusion, the insights from Davos 2025 highlight a global commitment to environmental sustainability. Communications serve as a bridge between action and awareness, ensuring that transformative initiatives receive the recognition, resources, and engagement necessary to drive meaningful change. By strategically leveraging media, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement, we can amplify impact and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future.
Share by: