Recycled-Content Newsprint Program

California law mandates the use of a specified amount of recycled-content newsprint (RCN) by printers and publishers located in California. The CIWMB implements a program to encourage and track the use of RCN.

• At least 50 percent of the newsprint used by each printer and publisher (consumers) in California must contain a minimum of 40 percent postconsumer paper fiber.
• Consumers must report annually to the CIWMB the total amount of RCN and the total amount of non-RCN used.
• Manufacturers must report the de-inked pulp received and/or produced, the postconsumer paper received, and the amount of RCN shipped to California.
• State of California agencies and departments cannot purchase newsprint from manufacturers who have not submitted certifications to the CIWMB.

The 2007 RCN certifications submitted by the consumers provide the following statistics:

• California's 132 regulated consumers certified to the CIWMB.
• 56 percent of the reported newsprint used in California was RCN.
• 79 percent of the consumers were in compliance; only 21 percent of the consumers requested exemptions. All consumers that sought exemptions documented their good faith effort to procure RCN.
• A total of 1,966,108 metric tons of regulated newsprint was used in 2007. It is an increase of 44 percent from the reported 2006 usage figures.
• A total of 1,109,725 metric tons of RCN was used in 2007. This is an increase of 17 percent from the reported 2006 usage.

Annual Compliance Reports

• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002 (MS Word, 86 KB)

Frequently asked questions about the requirements of the program (including certification form, CIWMB 430).

More information and resources on recycled paper...