Publication

Project publication

Milestone Study on Paper Waste Management in the US and Canada — Executive Summary

Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in the US and Canada

Description

This study focuses on the treatment of post-consumer paper and cardboard waste from commercial and residential sources in Canada and the United States. This publication describes the value chain, infrastructure, handling in primary and secondary markets for paper and cardboard and documents the current state of waste recovery and recycling among the population in the country. It also includes a summary of current public policies and regulations within a circular economy (CE) framework. Best practices in waste management that could be applied, based on the recommendations and findings of this study are also identified with the goal of providing information for decision-makers.

This publication is part of the project: Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) commissioned a series of milestone studies on the recycling and management of paper and cardboard, plastics and bioplastics waste for Canada and the United States, and for Mexico. A pilot study on composting poly-coated fiber food packaging for Canada and the United States complements this series. Together, these publications aim to accelerate the adoption of CE practices and promote strategies for the sustainable management of these materials, generating economic and environmental benefits across the region.

The complete report is available in English only, but you can consult the executive summary in English, Spanish and French.