Cardboard Box Recycling is a Success Story
For more than a decade, the paper industry has achieved a consistently high cardboard recycling rate – also known as corrugated – meeting or exceeding 82% each year.
![<p>Cardboard Box Recycling is a Success Story</p>
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In 2021 alone, the recycling rate for cardboard boxes was 91.4%! But the success story doesn't end with a high recycling rate.
How We're Doing It
Our industry has been setting goals for itself for decades and we have a measurable track record of success.
Recycling is an important part of the industry’s infrastructure. In 2021, approximately 80% of all U.S. mills used some recycled paper to make new and essential products. Products such as new cardboard boxes, pizza boxes and even toilet paper.
We’re working to advance the circular economy through our renewable and recyclable products with our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 sustainability goals. Part of that goal is to increase the use of secondary materials like recycled fiber in our products.
And, our industry has invested around $5 billion in projects (2019 to 2024) that will use approximately 8 million tons of recycled fiber.
We’re also actively working to educate others about paper recycling. That includes conversations with local recycling haulers and developing tools to help designers meet recyclability goals.
We work with local community partnerships to help reduce contamination and increase participation in recycling programs.
What Can You Do to Recycle Cardboard Boxes Correctly?
You're also part of the recycling success story. Do your part by recycling dry and clean cardboard boxes to ensure this process keeps going. Check your local government’s website to understand what’s accepted in your area.
And when it comes to cardboard boxes, it’s this simple:
- Empty your box
- Break it down flat
- Put it in your recycling bin
