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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.

Packaging Type Million Tons Recovered Share of Total
Newsprint2,222 4.4%
Tissue3,983 8.0%
Containerboard14,655 29.3%
Boxboard5,765 11.5%
Other2,724 5.4%
Net Exports20,686 41.3%
Total50,035 100.0%
   
2008 data   
Annual AF&PA Fiber Survey/U.S. Bureau of Census