IRG Creating Recycling Initiatives for Erie
Have you ever wondered what happens to the plastic that you throw away?
"Anywhere from five to nine percent of waste plastic today is actually recycled," said Mitch Hecht, chairman and CEO of International Recycling Group (IRG). "In the case of the U.S., 30 million tons a year of plastic is actually landfilled."
Hecht moved to Erie in 2020 in order to grow his business and raise awareness for recycling plastic.
In fact, IRG intends to build the largest recycling plant in the country right here in Erie. The $200 million plant is planned to be built on a 25-acre plot on the east side, expected to be completed by 2025.
"Recycling can be easier, and the easier it is, the more material we'll get and the more high recycling rates that we'll get," Hecht said.