Packaging Recovery

Data for the year 2009 published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that paper and paperboard packaging accounts for more than 73 percent of all packaging materials recovered for recycling in the U.S.

graph
Packaging Type Million Tons Recovered Share of Total
Paper and Paperboard25.07 73.3%
Glass3.00 8.8%
Metal2.2 6.4%
Plastic1.72 5.0%
All Other2.23 6.5%
Total34.22 100%
   
2009 data   
Source: Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2009 Facts and Figures   

did you know...

  • 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.

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