Paper is one of the most widely recycled materials in America. Paper recycling rates in the U.S. have consistently increased in recent decades.
The paper industry recycles nearly 60% more paper today than it did in 1990, when the industry set its first recycling rate goal.
Our industry’s success in paper recycling is because our systems are voluntary and market-driven. And because of the industry’s investments and the support of the millions who recycle every day.
The paper industry is working to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling. Since 2019, our industry has announced or is expected to complete projects by 2025 that will use more than 9 million tons of recycled paper. Projects include building new mills, converting or expanding existing mills, and updating machinery and equipment.
This reflects a longstanding commitment to investing in manufacturing infrastructure using recycled paper that improves the circular nature of our industry.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs that shift the burden of recycling paper products to manufacturers are unnecessary.
The success of our industry-led paper recycling initiative, consistently high recycling rates and the industry’s ongoing efforts to promote voluntary recycling show EPR is not the right approach for paper.
What We're Doing
AF&PA works to promote and ensure people have access to essential paper and wood products that meet their everyday needs.
We support education on recycling best practices as one of the best ways to increase the quantity and improve the quality of paper in the recycling stream.
We’re working with policymakers to set standards for success and focus on problem-solving. And we support policies that consider market-driven, industry-led recycling solutions.