During ReMA2025 (May 12–15), hosted in San Diego by the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), the largest recycling industry organization in the U.S. with 1,700 member companies, we spoke with ReMA President Robin Wiener about the role of the industry and the potential impacts of Trump tariffs on the recycling sector.

 

What is ReMA’s social role?

 

“We focus on safety and sustainability in recycling. We are working to ensure that this industry is better understood by the broader public.”

 

Robin Wiener has served as the president since 1997, continuing her leadership from the former ISRI organization to present ReMA.

 

When asked about the impact of Trump tariffs on the recycling industry, the answer was strikingly consistent among companies from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico interviewed at the venue: “We don’t know.”

 

In reality, there are currently no export tariffs imposed on American scrap, nor import tariffs on scrap coming into the U.S. However, because most steel products manufactured in Mexico are sold to the U.S., a 25% tariff has already been applied to Mexican steel products. As a result, steelmakers in Mexico have been forced to significantly reduce production.

 

This has led to a surplus of steel scrap within Mexico, according to OMNIresources, a local scrap handler.

 

There were also sharp comments from a U.S. rare metal scrap processor, who described the Trump tariffs as “nothing short of crazy.”

 

Several conference sessions addressed the issue of tariffs, but none could offer clear answers.

 

Chairwoman Wiener commented:

 

“Tariffs are unpredictable—they may be postponed suddenly or have their rates lowered. But what’s most troubling is the lack of a long-term strategy. That’s what really creates unease within the industry. Fundamentally, ReMA supports free trade.”

 

At symposiums held during the event, there were also remarks underscoring that recycling is essential to national and economic security—indicating that recycled resources are becoming increasingly important worldwide.

 

（IRuniverse Tanamachi and ReMA President Robin Wiener）

 

 

(IRUNIVERSE Tanamachi)

 

 

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