Recycling

AF&PA announced 68% of all paper consumed in the United States was recycled in 2021 – a rate on par with the highest rate previously achieved. Additionally, the recycling rate for old corrugated containers (OCC) – commonly known as cardboard – increased. 

The numbers are in! Paper is one of the most recycled materials. This is confirmed by our continuously high recycling rates. In 2021, the paper recycling rate climbed to 68%. And the recycling rate for cardboard boxes was 91.4%.   

After your local recycling hauler picks up your recycling, it’s taken to a materials recovery facility (MRF) where it’s sorted into like things. Workers remove items that shouldn’t be there, also called contaminants. That includes things like plastic bags, holiday lights, diapers and even…

AF&PA Vice President of Industry Affairs Terry Webber issued a statement in response to the Colorado General Assembly passing (HB22-1355), which would create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.

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…

The American Forest & Paper Association Vice President of Industry Affairs, Terry Webber issued a statement opposing the Colorado Legislature passing (HB22-1355) that would create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.

The paper recycling rate has met or exceeded 63% every year since 2009. Paper recycling is a model that works because of the industry’s investment and the millions of people who recycle every day. Read what we’re doing to continue to improve paper recycling.

The people who most inspire Levell Hairston, Vice President and General Manager of Recycling at International Paper, are voyagers and pioneers found within the paper and wood products industry.

One of the questions we commonly receive is how do I recycle a paper padded mailer. The answer depends on what type of mailer you received. We help explain what to do for the three most common mailers.

Love may be a battlefield but paper recycling doesn’t have to be. Never fear, we’re here to help you with the greatest love story of all time: the recycling bin and your paper products. They’re a match made at the MRF. Always be sure to check your local recycling guidelines before recycling.

AF&PA released new industry guidance giving consumers confidence on the recyclability of paper padded mailers. Paper padded mailers are widely recycled at paper mills across the country.

AF&PA’s Board of Directors outlined advocacy priorities the association will pursue to help ensure the paper and wood products industry’s sustainability success and economic impact in 2022.