The Myth: Print and paper is a wasteful product.

The Fact: Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world.

In addition to the sustainable advantage of being made from a renewable resource, paper is the most recycled product in the world. Since we began tracking how much paper gets recycled In the United States back in 1990, the recovery rate for used paper has increased dramatically. We're not only recovering more, but we now know how to get the most environmental and economic benefits from using recycled paper in new products. Two Sides members support the implementation of effective recycling schemes and the minimization and eventual elimination of Print and Paper waste in landfills.

In 2011, nearly 53 million tons or 66.8 percent of the paper used in the United States was recovered for recycling, up from 33.5 percent in 1990. That’s about 338 pounds for every adult and child in the country.

– American Forest and Paper Association

Each percentage point of paper recovery represents roughly 800,000 tons of fiber, enough to fill more than 7,500 railroad cars.

– Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries

In the United States, more paper products are recovered for recycling than any other material, including plastics (8.2%), glass (27.1%) and metals (35.1%).

– U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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