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Since 1994, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has performed a series of national surveys to measure the extent and track the growth of access to community-level paper and paperboard recycling. In recent iterations, the survey has also addressed the prevalence of single stream collection in curbside recycling systems. This Executive Summary presents background information on the survey methodology and highlights notable findings of the 2007 AF&PA Community Survey (“2007 Survey"), as well as trends from prior years. Complete details can be found in the main body of this report.
- 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.