Recycling

Yes, paper cups are recyclable. There are about 40 mills across North America that recycle paper cups. Cities across the U.S. have already added cups to their recycling programs. 

The NY State Legislature ended its session without passing the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. The AF&PA supports recycling improvements but seeks provisions to protect paper and paper-based packaging recycling in future discussions.

Paper bags are widely accepted for recycling across the U.S. They are the only bags that are recyclable in curbside bins. This ease of recycling makes them a convenient choice.  

AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock urged Minnesota Governor Walz to veto HF 3911. 

Paper cups are a sustainable choice and an important part of advancing sustainability goals. Paper cups are made from renewable resources and can be recycled at paper mills.

Minnesota lawmakers are rushing to implement the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. We support and encourage Minnesota lawmakers to complete a needs assessment before considering an EPR program. This would help them reach their goals to improve their recycling system.

Decorative tissue paper is recyclable by paper mills. Be sure to check your local guidelines before placing it in your recycling bin.

Grease and cheese in an amount typically found on pizza boxes are not an issue for the recycling process. 82% of Americans have access to a community recycling program that accepts pizza boxes.

The American Forest & Paper Association celebrates National Forest Products Week. The week-long event spotlights the 925,000 people working in the forest products industry who are committed to advancing a sustainable future.

Tissue products like toilet paper and paper towels are sustainably made. Take a closer look at how they are produced with sustainability in mind.

Paper and cardboard continue to be some of the most recycled materials in the United States. In 2022, the paper recycling rate was 67.9% and the cardboard recycling rate was 93.6%. Paper recycling is successful because of the millions of people who recycle and the paper industry’s ongoing…

Nearly 68% of paper and more than 93% of cardboard consumed in the United States was recycled in 2022. Paper recycling rates have remained consistently high – meeting or exceeding 63% each year since 2009.