Jordan Kim Labels, Packaging & Sustainability Editor at 4OVER4.COM
Jordan is our labels, packaging and sustainability voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What percentage of paper actually gets recycled in the United States?
Answer
Paper is one of the most recovered materials in the United States, though the rate varies a lot by paper type. National recycling rates hover around 68%, held back mainly by contamination and uneven access to curbside programs in rural areas.
| Paper type | Recovery rate |
|---|---|
| Corrugated cardboard | Above 90% |
| National average (all paper) | ~68% |
| Mixed office paper | Lower |
| Coated print materials | Lower |
- Corrugated cardboard leads because it is bulky, clean, and easy to bale
- Coatings and laminations make recovery harder for glossy print pieces
- Choosing recyclable, lightly coated stock improves the odds a piece gets recycled
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