Understanding the Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rates

Paper is one of the most highly recycled materials in the U.S. Paper recycling rates have continuously grown over recent decades and remain consistently high.

In 2023, 46 million tons of paper was recycled. The paper recycling rate was 65-69% and the cardboard recycling rate was 71-76%.

Our rates include paper and packaging recovered for recycling from different streams including:

Residential: Curbside, apartment building communal or drop-off recycling.
Industrial: Manufacturing, factories, gas and electric plants, etc.
Commercial: Grocery stores, big box stores, office buildings, etc.
Institutional: Hospitals, schools, etc.

Did You Know
About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper to make new products.

How is AF&PA’s New Rate Calculated?

AF&PA updated our recycling rate methodology.

The new rate is calculated as the amount of paper recycled compared to the amount of paper available for recovery. Aspects of the calculations are based on estimates, which makes the rates best expressed as a range.

The previous rate measured the amount of paper recycled compared to the amount of paper used.

Our updated recycling rate methodology will help address data gaps by using:

Industry data
Knowledge and subject matter expertise
Detailed U.S. trade data.
Explore our recycling rate methodology
How is the Paper Industry Helping to Improve Recycling?

Investing in and improving paper recycling has been an industry priority for decades. The paper industry is working to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling.

Our efforts include:

Voluntary goal setting
Increasing the use of recycled paper
An ownership stake in the recycling system
Investing in recycling education
Developing resources
Conducting research

How Can I Make Sure My Paper and Cardboard Gets Recycled?

The recycling process, especially at home, starts with you. Here’s what you can do to help make sure your paper products end up at one of our mills:

Check your local guidelines for what’s accepted. This helps avoid contamination.
Keep paper products dry and clean.
Empty and flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
If something isn’t currently accepted in your area like pizza boxes or paper cups, ask your local government why not. Send them our guidance.
Paper mills want your paper products back. We want to recycle paper products. We need to, actually. It’s a key part of our manufacturing process. Let’s work together to keep paper recycling a success story!

Source https://www.afandpa.org/news/2024/how-much-paper-was-recycled-2023

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