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How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2025?

Update in Brief

How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2025?

In 2025, the U.S. recycled around 45 million tons of paper. The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%. 
Paper Industry Announces 2025 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates

Press Release

Paper Industry Announces 2025 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates

The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75% in 2025. Around 45 million tons of paper were recycled.
Joint Statement From the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board Announcement

Press Release

Joint Statement From the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board Announcement

The following statement was issued by representatives of the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board…
AF&PA Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade Discussions

Press Release

AF&PA Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade Discussions

AF&PA supports trade policies that address unfair practices and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. At the same time, escalating tariff disputes between the U.S. and Canada will…

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Recycling Q&A

How Much Cardboard is Recycled?

August 31, 2026
How Much Cardboard is Recycled?
More than 33 million tons of cardboard was recycled in 2024. The cardboard recycling rate was 69% -74%.
Recycling
Packaging

Recycling Q&A

Can I Recycle a Greasy Pizza Box?

August 31, 2026
Can I Recycle a Greasy Pizza Box?
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.
Recycling
Packaging

Recycling Q&A

Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

August 31, 2026
Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers
Yes, paper gets recycled! Today, more than 2/3 of all paper recycled in the U.S. is turned into new products Americans rely on at mills nationwide.
Recycling
Packaging
Paper

Press Release

Joint Statement From the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board Announcement

August 28, 2026
Joint Statement From the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board Announcement
The following statement was issued by representatives of the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board announcement.

Press Release

Paper Industry Announces 2025 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates

August 28, 2026
Paper Industry Announces 2025 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates
The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75% in 2025. Around 45 million tons of paper were recycled.
Recycling

Update in Brief

How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2025?

August 27, 2026
How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2025?
In 2025, the U.S. recycled around 45 million tons of paper. The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%. 
Recycling
Paper
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade Discussions

August 25, 2026
AF&PA Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade Discussions
AF&PA supports trade policies that address unfair practices and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. At the same time, escalating tariff disputes between the U.S. and Canada will disrupt the cross-border supply chains that help mills and manufacturers invest, compete and deliver essential products people depend on every day.
International Trade
Business Impact

Press Release

AF&PA Releases July 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

August 19, 2026
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in July increased 1% compared to July 2025. They were up 5% when compared to the same 7 months of 2025.
Statistics
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Releases July 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

August 19, 2026
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 9% in July compared to July 2025. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 3% when compared to June 2026. 
Statistics
Paper

Recycling Q&A

Can I Recycle Magazines and Catalogues?

August 3, 2026
Can I Recycle Magazines and Catalogues?
Yes, magazines and catalogues can be recycled! Remove perfume samples and foil, and the plastic wrapper if it has one before recycling. 
Recycling
Paper

Press Release

AF&PA Releases Q2 2026 Boxboard Quarterly Report

July 31, 2026
Total Boxboard production in Q2 increased by 2% compared to Q2 2025. The boxboard operating rate was 88.8%, down 0.6 points from the same quarter last year.
Statistics
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Releases Q2 2026 Containerboard Quarterly Report

July 31, 2026
According to the report, the total industry operating rate increased to nearly 95% for the quarter compared to 93% for the preceding quarter. 
Statistics
Packaging