Skip to main content

2021 AF&PA Access to Recycling Study

AF&PA commissioned the 2021 Access to Recycling Study. The study is a comprehensive national report that tracks and measures the growth of access to community and paperboard recycling in the U.S.

The study shows 94% of Americans have access to community paper recycling programs. And 79% of Americans have access to residential-curbside recycling programs. That’s an increase of about 14 million people since 2014, the last time we conducted a study.

Many paper products used every day across the U.S. have a high community access rate of 80% or more. Meaning things like cardboard boxes, newspapers, paper bags, pizza boxes and magazines are widely accepted for recycling. 

Download the 2021 AF&PA Access to Recycling Study

Name

TERMS AND CONDITIONS  

Downloading and use of the AF&PA Design Guidance for Recyclability for Paper-based Packaging means that the user has agreed to the following terms: 

  • The Design Guidance for Recyclability for Paper-based Packaging was developed by AF&PA for members of the paper-based packaging supply chain to use as a resource in designing and manufacturing packaging to meet customers’ needs in terms of recyclability.  

  • The technical guidance contained in the Design Guidance is presented as is.  It represents a snapshot in time.  It is not meant to be mandatory or a standard for the packaging industry.  

  • The information contained herein does not have any express or implied warranty. Users of this information will indemnify and hold harmless AF&PA, including its members, Officers and Directors, for any decisions made regarding recyclability of packaging arising from the use of this resource in any way other than its intended use. 

I ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

Paper Padded Mailers

Paper padded mailers are an innovative, sustainable and recyclable package. In a member survey, AF&PA members confirmed these new mailers are recycled every day at paper mills across the country. 

AF&PA encourages communities to include paper padded mailers in their residential recycling programs. We’re also working with stakeholders to communicate to materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and recycling haulers that these mailers are routinely recycled at our paper mills.

Download AF&PA’s industry statement on paper padded mailers.

Pizza Boxes

There is a lot of confusion about recycling pizza boxes, but pizza boxes are recyclable! Cardboard pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills.

AF&PA is working with stakeholders to communicate to materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and recycling haulers that pizza boxes are recyclable and routinely recycled at paper mills across the country.

Download AF&PA’s industry statement on both pizza box recycling and WestRock’s study.

Read WestRock’s study on the impact of grease on recycling pizza boxes.

Design Guidance for Recyclability

We developed the Design Guidance for Recyclability of Paper-based Packaging. This tool helps packaging manufacturers, designers and brands create and manufacture packaging that meets their recyclability goals.

Download the Design Guidance

Name

TERMS AND CONDITIONS  

Downloading and use of the AF&PA Design Guidance for Recyclability for Paper-based Packaging means that the user has agreed to the following terms: 

  • The Design Guidance for Recyclability for Paper-based Packaging was developed by AF&PA for members of the paper-based packaging supply chain to use as a resource in designing and manufacturing packaging to meet customers’ needs in terms of recyclability.  

  • The technical guidance contained in the Design Guidance is presented as is.  It represents a snapshot in time.  It is not meant to be mandatory or a standard for the packaging industry.  

  • The information contained herein does not have any express or implied warranty. Users of this information will indemnify and hold harmless AF&PA, including its members, Officers and Directors, for any decisions made regarding recyclability of packaging arising from the use of this resource in any way other than its intended use. 

I ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.