AF&PA’s 2023 calculations reveal 60 percent more paper recycled than in 1990

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) reports that 65-69 percent of paper available for recovery in the United States was recycled in 2023. The 2023 paper recycling rate is the first using AF&PA's updated methodology, which uses extensive industry data, subject matter expertise, and detailed U.S. trade data. 

The 2023 calculations show that paper remains one of the most highly recycled materials in the U.S., with the industry recycling nearly 60 percent more paper today than it did in 1990 when initial recycling rate goals were established.  

"No matter how you measure it, paper recycling is an environmental success story," says AF&PA president and CEO Heidi Brock. "We are a fact-based, data-driven organization, and our updated recycling rate methodology represents the most thorough recycling rate possible using all currently available data. This updated methodology, which calculates the amount of paper recycled as a share of the amount of all paper for recovery, reflects our commitment to utilize the best data available to support industry investments, and guide our efforts to recover and recycle more paper and paper packaging products." 

Cardboard recycling rate 

In 2023, the recycling rate for cardboard was 71-76 percent. The rate incorporates all primary collection channels — including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential — combined with a more extensive analysis of U.S. trade data.   

Updated methodology 

To reflect continuously evolving global economic, supply chain, and trade flows, AF&PA updated its recycling rate methodology for estimating product packaging imports/exports as part of the cardboard recycling rate calculations, resulting in the most thorough and fact-based recycling rate possible with currently available data.   

Through the updated methodology, AF&PA has: 

• Improved estimates of net imported product packaging using more detailed trade data and better estimates of packaging dimensions based on industry data and expertise.
• Deducted an estimate of materials in recovered paper bales that are not used in manufacturing (such as paper not suitable for use in the specific grade; non-paper materials, and net moisture).
• In the cardboard recycling rate calculation, made adjustments for cardboard and other paper-based consumer packaging in different commodity bales. 
• Provided rates as a range to acknowledge aspects of the calculations are based on estimates. 
• As a process step, enlisted an independent, third-party reviewer to examine methodology and findings to ensure their rigour and validity.  

Paper industry investment 

Since 2019, the industry has announced or is expected to complete projects by 2025 that will use more than nine million tons of recycled paper. These projects include building new mills, converting or expanding existing mills, and updating machinery and equipment.  

"This updated methodology will direct our industry's efforts to capture even more paper for use in manufacturing new products," says Brock. "We look forward to working with key decisionmakers and stakeholders to develop policies that support this goal and improve education about recycling best practices to increase consumer participation."