Paper

Download AF&PA's handout explaining the 2025 paper and cardboard recycling rates.

In 2025, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

Paper recycling is a success. In 2025, the paper recycling rate was 61-65% and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%.

In 2025, the paper recycling rate was 61% - 65%. 

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.

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%. 

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. 

Yes, magazines and catalogues can be recycled! Remove perfume samples and foil, and the plastic wrapper if it has one before recycling. 

Regulation E-Delivery makes digital delivery the default, forcing Americans to opt back into paper. Millions of Americans don't have reliable internet or a computer. Regulation E-Delivery would leave them behind. Keep paper as the default. Digital is already an option. 

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 8% in June compared to June 2025. 

The SEC's proposed Regulation E-Delivery would sideline paper communications millions rely on for critical financial information.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 14% in May compared to May 2025.