Approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away every year in the U.S. The average household, for example, throws away 13,000 separate pieces of paper each year—most is packaging and junk mail.

The amount of wood and paper we throw away each year is enough to heat 50,000,000 homes for 20 years.

Recycling paper has an amazing environmental and economic impact. Each ton (2,000 pounds) of paper that is recycled, instead of thrown into the trash, can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water.

This represents a 64 percent energy savings, a 58 percent water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution!

Learn more about recycling paper in St. Louis:
City of St. Louis recycling program