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EMAF Institute for Environmental Studies

Mail is recyclable. Here is the proof. Research Library

Mail is recyclable. Here is the proof. Research Library

A publicly accessible repository of research, data, and resources supporting the recyclability of mail. Updated periodically as new research becomes available. For research and advocacy purposes only — not legal advice.

Download the One-Pager: Mail is recyclable. Here is the proof.

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On Mail & Envelope Recyclability | On Recycling Access | On Paper Recycling Rates

On Mail & Envelope Recyclability

AF&PA – Are Address Window Envelopes Recyclable? 
Confirms plastic windows do not need to be removed before recycling. 2023.
https://www.afandpa.org/news/2023/are-address-window-envelopes-recyclable

AF&PA – Do You Know How to Recycle All the Different Types of Mail You Receive? 
Identifies magazines, ad mail, letters, bills, cards, newspapers, and catalogs as widely accepted for recycling when primarily paper-based. 2018. 
https://www.afandpa.org/news/2018/do-you-know-how-recycle-all-different-types-mail-you-receive

AF&PA – Paper Products and Materials Widely Accepted for Recycling.
Lists specific paper mail types accepted in the recycling stream. 2022. 
https://www.afandpa.org/news/2022/paper-products-and-materials-widely-accepted-recycling 

AF&PA. Design Guidance for Recyclability of Paper-based Packaging and Printing & Writing Papers. 
Clarifies that non-fiber elements may present challenges at some mills but being a challenge does not make a product non-recyclable. 2021. 
https://www.afandpa.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/AFPADesignGuidanceforRecyclability_FINAL_031621.pdf

On Recycling Access

AF&PA. 2021 Access to Recycling Study. 
The most comprehensive measurement of paper recycling access in the U.S. 

  • Key findings:
    • 94% of Americans have access to community paper recycling programs
    • 79% have access to residential curbside paper recycling
    • More than 14 million additional Americans gained curbside access since 2014

https://www.afandpa.org/statistics-resources/2021-afpa-access-recycling-study

On Paper Recycling Rates

AF&PA. 2024 Annual Paper Recycling Rates. 

  • Key findings: 
    • 60–64% of paper available for recovery was recycled in 2024
    • 46 million tons of paper recycled — equivalent to 125,000 tons per day
    • U.S. mills used 1.29 million more tons of recycled paper in 2024 than 2023
    • Recycled paper share of all fiber used at U.S. mills has grown from 36.6% in 2005 to 44.4% in 2024
    • Paper industry recycles 60% more paper today than it did in 1990

https://www.afandpa.org/news/2025/paper-industry-announces-2024-us-paper-recycling-rates

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