Each year, the AF&PA Recycling Awards recognize outstanding business, community, and school paper recycling programs across the country. While the programs vary greatly in terms of geography and reach, they are reminders of the on-going commitment of the millions of Americans who recycle at home, work, and school every day.

Workplace Winner

One American Center - Thomas Properties Group
Austin, TX

Community Winner

Naval Air Station
Whidbey Island
Oak Harbor, WA

School Winner

Perry High School
Perry, OH

2010 Recycling Award Winners

For highlights of award-winning paper recycling programs, check-out the previous winners' case studies and videos, below.



Paper Recycling Best Practices

Better Practices, Better Planet 2020

The AF&PA Recycling Award winners are great examples of the kinds of programs essential to achieving the industry's goal of recovering more than 70 percent of the paper consumed in the U.S. by the year 2020. For more details about the industry's suite of sustainability goals, Better Practices, Better Planet 2020, click 'read more' below.

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2011 Paper recycling Statistics

In 2011, a record-high 66.8 percent of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered for recycling. For additional statistics related to this success, click 'read more'.

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did you know...

  • Paper and paperboard recovery has increased 81% between 1990 and 2011.
  • 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 2011 the amount of paper recovered for recycling averaged 338 pounds for each man, woman and child in the United States.

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