news
News Releases
research reports
Since 1994, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has performed a series of national surveys to measure the extent and track the growth of access to community-level paper and paperboard recycling. In recent iterations, the survey has also addressed the prevalence of single stream collection in curbside recycling systems. This Executive Summary presents background information on the survey methodology and highlights notable findings of the 2010 AF&PA Community Survey (“2010 Survey"), as well as trends from prior years. Complete details can be found in the main body of this report.
- In 2010, 63.5 percent of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered for recycling. This represents an 89 percent increase in the recovery rate since 1990.
- Every ton of paper recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
- 87 percent (268 million) of Americans have access to curbside or drop-off paper recycling programs.
- In 2010 the amount of paper recovered for recycling averaged 334 pounds for each man, woman and child in the United States.