Fast Facts

Newspaper

Generated:
• 13.6 million tons, or 6.2% of MSW by weight.*
• 2.5 million tons are advertising inserts printed on newsprint.*
• 100.7 pounds per person per year.*
• 118 news pages per pound (1995).
• 85% of newspapers are generated in homes, 15% in businesses.

Recycled:
• 7.68 million tons for a 56.4% recycling rate.*
• In 1999, compiled industry data found that 9 million tons of newspaper was recovered totaling a 69% recycling rate.

Recycled Content:
• American newspapers contain 28% fiber from old newspapers.
• To date, 27 states have instated either voluntary or mandatory requirements that dictate the amount of recycled fiber newspapers published in those states must contain.

Composted:
• The material leaves only trace amounts of ink as it degrades; material is highly compostable.

Density:
• A 12-inch stack weighs 35 pounds.
• Loose newspapers weigh 360 pounds to 500 pounds per cubic yard.
• Baled newspapers weigh 720 pounds to 1,000 pounds per cubic yard.
• Landfilled newspapers weigh 800 pounds per cubic yard.

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Scrap Recycling Industry - Recovered Paper learn more.