Cover Story

America Recycles Day — November 15, 2026

The Postal Service™ will observe America Recycles Day^® on November 15, 2026. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of conservation and recycling.

The organization launched its National Recycling Operation (NRO) in 2013, with the focus on streamlining recycling efforts nationwide. The program has since expanded its objectives to include helping the Postal Service conserve and reuse internal items used for mail transport.

The NRO established hubs to handle backhaul recycling, which takes advantage of existing transportation equipment to bring recyclables back from delivery and retail units to the hub. The program also assists sites with processing those recyclables efficiently and reusing what it can in the USPS^® network. Recycling Standard Work Instructions are communicated and available to employees (see Recycling SWIs - Home).

“America Recycles Day is an important reminder for all USPS employees to conserve resources and help protect the environment through reuse and recycling practices.” said Jennifer Beiro-Réveillé, the organization’s chief sustainability officer. “Every item that is reused eliminates the need for a new item to be produced and purchased. Every item that is recycled reduces the need for more raw materials to produce products. Together, through reuse and recycling, we can reduce our waste and help the environment, which benefits our bottom line.”

For more information about USPS recycling efforts, go to Blue at National Recycling Operation.

— Environmental Affairs and
Corporate Sustainability, 11-12-26