Recycling

In 2024, around 46 million tons of paper was recycled. The paper recycling rate was 60%-64% and the cardboard recycling rate was 69%-74%.

In 2024, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

In 2024, the paper recycling rate was 60% - 64%. 

The 2024 cardboard recycling rate was 69% - 74%.

Paper recycling is a success. In 2024, the paper recycling rate was 60-64% and the cardboard recycling rate was 69-74%.

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. 

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.

Download AF&PA's handout explaining the 2024 paper and cardboard recycling rates.

Yes, post-it notes are recyclable by paper mills! It’s best to attach them to printer paper, mail, magazines, or other larger paper items and place them in your recycling bin

AF&PA applauds Maine Governor Janet Mills and state lawmakers for advancing LD 1423, which makes much needed improvements to the state’s EPR policy. 

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.” 

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.