Paper Information and Resources

Paper Recovery (Collection/Processing)

Paper recovery is accomplished in many ways. The most visible method is residential curbside recycling programs, which collects a variety of paper types generated by households. However, the majority of recovered paper originates from the business and industrial sectors.

About 20 percent of all paper recovered is "preconsumer" paper (that which never reaches consumers). Preconsumer paper is generated by sources such as converters (businesses that take rolls of paper and convert them into finished products) and printers (e.g., misprints and overruns).

The Board-calculated 1998 California recovery rate for postconsumer paper (paper that has already been used by consumers) was only 31.1 percent. Since the 1998 national postconsumer paper recovery rate was 41.6 percent (U.S.EPA, Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the U.S.; 1999 Update), it is clear there is considerable room to increase paper recovery in California. (1998 was the last year the Board calculated the California postconsumer paper recovery rate.)

Board Web Sites

Office Paper Reduction: This site contains a collection of information, materials and resources for office-based businesses to use in programs aimed at reducing office paper waste—through both recovery/recycling and prevention (reducing paper use). Several fact sheets are dedicated to setting up an office paper recycling program. A business can create a customized office paper reduction campaign "kit" by mixing and matching the materials.

Recycling Containers for Home and Office: Manufacturers of indoor and outdoor recycling bins, compost and vermicompost bins, and a variety of related products.

Recycling Processing Equipment: Manufacturers of industrial equipment used to sort and process recyclable material.

Shipping and Distribution Partnership (Packaging): A voluntary program to encourage businesses to adopt more efficient packaging and merchandise distribution systems. The goals of the program are to prevent waste, increase recycling, and increase the manufacture and purchase of packaging with recycled content. Practices that achieve these goals can save businesses money and reduce the amount of packaging that ends up in landfills.

CalMAX (California Materials Exchange Program): CalMAX helps match businesses and individuals with surplus materials with those that can use or recycle those materials. Many of these materials would be disposed if not for the match-making abilities of CalMAX. A free quarterly catalog lists materials available and materials wanted. KidMAX, a special part of CalMAX, matches school supply needs with items and materials donated by businesses. Under this program, schools may place "want ads" in CalMAX, while firms donating may receive tax benefits.

Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP): WRAP provides an opportunity for California businesses to gain public recognition for their outstanding paper recycling programs and other waste reduction achievements. Successful applicants receive a certificate from the Board along with a camera-ready WRAP emblem. Winners can use the emblem as they wish—on products, advertising, and promotional materials.

Project Recycle: Project Recycle coordinates implementation of recycling programs at State-owned and State-leased buildings and facilities including offices, prisons, youth authority facilities, developmental centers, hospitals, maintenance facilities, and parks. If you are a State employee or recycling coordinator with questions about recycling at your building or facility, contact Project Recycle at (916) 341-6203.

Other Web Sites

American Forest & Paper Association’s Forest Product Resources. AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, paper, and wood products industry. It represents member companies engaged in growing, harvesting, and processing wood and wood fiber, manufacturing pulp, paper, and paperboard products from both virgin and recycled fiber, and producing engineered and traditional wood products. Their Web site includes a section on paper and wood recycling.

National Office Paper Recycling Project: This Web site provides information about the National Office Paper Recycling Project (NOPRP) and its major efforts. The NOPRP is a nonprofit partnership of public- and private-sector organizations. Its goal is to maximize office paper recycling and to minimize waste. The project's primary emphasis is the Recycling At Work Campaign designed to not only increase office paper recycling rates, but to encompass all forms of office recycling.

Board Publications and Documents

Office Paper Reduction: The Board's Office Paper Reduction Web site includes numerous publications—mostly two-page fact sheets—addressing the topic of paper recovery.

Consideration and Approval of the Revised 1997 and Preliminary 1998 California Postconsumer Paper Recovery Rate Calculation (Board Agenda Item 19, November 1999). This Board staff agenda item presents the revised 1997 and preliminary (subject to revision) 1998 California recovery rates for postconsumer paper overall, as well as specific recovery rates for old corrugated containers (cardboard) and old newspapers. Board staff has calculated the California postconsumer recovery rate since 1992; the rates for each year hence are included in an attachment to the 1999 agenda item. 1998 is the most current year for which the Board has calculated a postconsumer paper recovery rate. The agenda item can be downloaded at our agendas site (see item 19) or contact the staff person listed at the bottom of this page.

1996 Market Status Report: Recovered Paper: Though time-sensitive recovery data is outdated, this publication provides a still-current overview of the California recovered paper supply infrastructure. Additionally, the report provides staff recommendations on Board actions that could help overcome  barriers to increasing recovered paper supply and demand. 

Other Publications/Periodicals

American Recycling Market Directories & Reference Manuals: Private publication reproduced by the CIWMB with permission from the publisher. Annual directory that lists paperstock (recovered paper) recycling companies in all 50 states, from mom and pop recycling centers to worldwide brokers. Also lists recycling companies in all 50 states for numerous other secondary materials. 

The Board makes available on request, with permission from the publisher, the list of California paper stock recycling companies from the ARM.

BioCycle: Monthly journal focusing primarily on composting, but typically including one or more articles about materials recycling. 419 State Avenue, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049; (610) 967-4135

Official Board Markets: 312 West Randolph Street, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606-1721; (312) 553-8922; Fax: (312) 553-8926

Paper Stock Report: Biweekly newsletter primarily covering recovered paper markets. 13727 Holland Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44142-3920; (216) 362-7979; Fax: (216) 362-4623; 

Pulp & Paper Week: Weekly newsletter covering all aspects of the paper industry, including paper recycling. 525 Market Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, California 94105; (800) 289-0969 (in California);
(415) 278-5370; Fax: (415) 278-5371

Recycling Today: Monthly journal focusing primarily on the scrap metal industry, but secondarily covering recovered paper. 4012 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44413-3320; (800) 456-0707; Fax: (216) 961-0364

Resource Recycling: Monthly journal covering all aspects of recycling, composting, and waste prevention. P.O. Box 10540, Portland, Oregon 97210; (503) 227-1319; Fax: (503) 227-6135

A Strategy and Action Plan for Increasing Office Paper Recovery, 1998, Prepared for the National Office Paper Recycling Project by Franklin Associates. Executive Summary (includes ordering information)

Last updated: November 01, 2007