AF&PA releases recycling survey results

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recently released results of their 2010 Community Recycling Survey. The study shows that 87 percent of the population has access to curbside and/or drop-off paper and paperboard recycling programs.

"We are encouraged that this rate has held steady through the global recession and population growth that have occurred since the last survey was conducted in 2007," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

Paper recycling access was an important factor in helping the industry exceed its 60 percent recovery goal three years ahead of schedule. In 2009, a record-high 63.4 percent of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered for recycling.

The AF&PA Community Survey is a comprehensive national study that measures and tracks the growth of access to community-level paper and paperboard recycling in the U.S. The 2010 study is the latest in a series of such studies funded by AF&PA and conducted by R. W. Beck since 1994. Data gathered in the survey helps guide AF&PA’s work with partner organizations to promote and increase paper recovery.