In 1993, more paper was recovered for recycling than was sent to landfills. In 1994, more paper was recovered in the United States for recycling than went to landfills, saving more than 90 million cubic yards of landfill space. The U.S. paper industry is a leader in America's recycling effort. Paper recycling efforts extend beyond fiber to chemical wastes recovered in the manufacturing process. These wastes are burned for fuel or used in surprising new ways, e.g. as fertilizers for agriculture or as components in chemical products such as ethanol.
Trees are a renewable resource, and forest products are recyclable and biodegradable.
In 1993, 13.6 million tons of wood were recovered for recycling and reuse in products ranging from particleboard to paper to garden mulch. Every ton of paper recovered for recycling saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.