AF&PA: U.S. Paper Recycling Rate Plunged in 2024

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The United States' 2024 paper recycling rates were revealed by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). The statistics show a significant drop in recovered paper exports and a little drop in paper recycling rates.

Paper-One of the Most Recycled Materials in the U.S.

The trade group claims that during the last year, paper remained one of the most recycled materials in the United States. In the United States, 46 million tons of paper were recycled. This basically means that every day, around 25,000 tons of recycled paper were used to make new goods including toilet paper, cardboard boxes, and paper packaging. 

According to AF&PA, last year in the United States, 60–64 percent of paper and 69–74 percent of cardboard that could be recovered were recycled. Compared to the previous year, when 65–69% of paper and 71–76% of cardboard were recycled, this is a modest decrease.

How much recycled paper were used by U.S. mills in 2024?

1.29 million additional tons of recycled paper were used by American mills to create new goods in 2024. The percentage of recycled paper in all fiber utilized at American mills has been steadily rising. In 2024, the United States exported less recycled paper, mostly as a result of a decline in demand from Asian nations.

Heidi Brock, the president and CEO of AF&PA, reiterated the organization's dedication to advancing American manufacturing techniques, increasing the usage of recycled paper, and generating employment.

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