Stanford University's recycling program began in the late 1970s as a student project. It has grown significantly, with nearly 3,000 tons of paper recovered for recycling by the 17,000-strong student population in 2008. Also impressive, campus efforts resulted in an overall 64 percent diversion rate in the same year.

• In 2009 a record-high 63.4% of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered for recycling.
• 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 2009 the amount of paper recovered for recycling averaged 325 pounds for each man, woman, and child in the United States.