Recycling

Extended producer responsibility isn't the answer in New York. It could raise prices for families. AF&PA EPR efforts that include paper and paper packaging.

If you’re wondering if paper coffee cups can be recycled, the answer is yes! Paper mills across North American can recycle them.

Tips to recycle your paper and packaging during the holiday season.

Yes, pizza boxes are recyclable. A study found that typical amounts of grease and cheese on pizza boxes are not a problem for paper mills. 

The Voluntary Standard is an industry-supported set of test protocols to evaluate the repulpability and recyclability of coated or treated corrugated board and its equivalents (OCC-e).

Good news! You don't need to remove tape from a cardboard box. Tape and shipping labels do not interfere with the recycling process. 

Yes, birthday cards and envelopes made of paper are usually okay to recycle.

Yes! Tissue boxes are recyclable. Flatten the box and then place it in your recycling bin. 

More than 33 million tons of cardboard was recycled in 2024. The cardboard recycling rate was 69% -74%.

Investing in and improving paper recycling has been an industry priority for decades. Download AF&PA's handout explaining our efforts to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling. 

60%-64% of paper and 69%-74% of cardboard available for recovery were recycled in the United States in 2024. U.S. mills consumed more recycled paper in 2024 compared to 2023 while exports decreased.

Download our handout that explains: The definition of Extended Producer Responsibility The role of paper in EPR programs   Our industry’s investment to improve paper recycling Our recommendation for EPR programs