Carton Recycling Access Rises 16 Percent in 2013, Group Says

The Carton Council of North America said access to carton recycling in the United States increased 16.4 percent in 2013 and expanded by two to 45 states.

The Vernon Hills, Ill.-based Carton Council said in a news release that the significant expansion of carton recycling for the year brought the total share of American households that have access to carton recycling to 48 percent.

The council, a group of carton manufacturers, credited the achievement to voluntary private and public collaboration, including companies and organizations, recycling facilities and local governments.

“We are proud of the progress made in 2013,” said Jason Pelz, vice president, environment, for Tetra Pak North America and vice president of recycling projects for the Carton Council.  “Carton recycling access has increased 160 percent in just four years.”

A number of large-sized communities added carton recycling in 2013, including Tampa, Fla.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Columbus, Ohio.