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Recycling

Industry Publishes Updated Voluntary Standard for Recycling Cardboard

AF&PA and FBA announced an update to their “Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Coated or Treated Corrugated Fiberboard and its Equivalents in the Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Recycling Stream.” 

Voluntary Standard for Coated or Treated Corrugated

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).

AF&PA Disappointed in Governor Moore’s Enactment of Maryland EPR Program

We are disappointed by Governor Wes Moore’s decision to sign SB 901 into law and create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program in Maryland. 

New York’s EPR Policies Must Consider Cost and Facts

The New York State Legislature is considering 2 different bills that introduce an EPR program. The proposed legislation ignores the complexities of the state’s recycling system and the paper industry’s supply chain. 

Maryland’s EPR Legislation Guided by Missteps

Maryland lawmakers are hastily considering SB 901, a misguided bill that introduces an EPR program for packaging and paper products and poses significant risks to the paper industry. Lawmakers didn't consider the data or that paper recycling works. 

How Much Cardboard is Recycled?

Nearly 33 million tons of cardboard was recycled in 2023. The cardboard recycling rate was 71% -76%.

Handout - Decades of Commitment to Improve Paper Recycling

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. 

Handout - 2023 Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rates

Download AF&PA's handout explaining the 2023 paper and cardboard recycling rates.

Handout - What is Extended Producer Responsibility

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

Handout - Why Statewide Needs Assessments Are Needed Before EPR

Before an EPR program is considered, states need to do a needs assessment. Download our handout explaining the benefits of conducting a needs assessment to understand the current state of waste and recycling systems. 

Why Statewide Needs Assessments Are Needed Before EPR

Before an EPR program is considered, states need to do a needs assessment. These studies help states better understand the current state of their waste and recycling system.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility

We explain Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs, the role of the paper industry in EPR, our industry's investment to improve paper recycling and our recommendations for EPR programs.