Approximately two-thirds of the paper recovered for recycling in the U.S. is used domestically. Of that material, containerboard is the largest end-use, accounting for 31 percent of total collections. Other uses include boxboard (13 percent), tissue (8 percent), and newsprint (6 percent). Approximately 7 percent of recovered paper goes to miscellaneous uses including various paper and paperboard grades, molded pulp products, hydromulch, and insulating materials.

graph
Packaging Type Million Tons Recovered Share of Total
Newsprint3,018 5.8%
Tissue4,082 7.9%
Containerboard15,830 30.5%
Boxboard6,612 12.8%
Other3,601 6.9%
Net Exports18,680 36.0%
Total51,822 100.0%
   
2008 data   
Annual AF&PA Fiber Survey/U.S. Bureau of Census   

did you know...

  • The paper industry hopes to recover 60 percent of the paper Americans consume by 2012
  • In 2008 the amount of paper recovered for recycling averaged 340 pounds for each man, woman, and child in the United States
  • 86 percent (254 million) of Americans have access to curbside or drop-off paper recycling programs

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