According to the Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), approximately 35 percent of the municipal solid waste stream (MSW) is made up of paper and paperboard products. Paper makes up the largest portion of the municipal waste stream, and also one of the most recovered materials. Recycling produces numerous direct and indirect benefits:

Conserves resources
Prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants
Saves energy
Supplies valuable raw materials to industry
Creates jobs
Stimulates the growth of greener technologies
Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators
Source: U.S. EPA
According to a 2005 AF&PA Community Survey, 254 million people (86 percent of the U.S.) have access to some form of community paper/paperboard recycling, either through curbside collection or drop-off programs.

An impressive 53.4 percent of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling in 2006. In fact, if measured by weight, more paper is recovered for recycling than all glass, plastic and aluminum combined. Not yet satisfied, the American Forest & Paper Association has set a goal of 55 percent recovery by the year 2012. It will take your help to get there.

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