The Georgia Institute of Technology today received the 2008 American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) College and University Recycling Award. AF&PA's awards program recognizes outstanding school, business, and community recycling efforts.

Today's awards were presented during the industry's 131st Annual Paper Week, where it was also announced that a record 56 percent of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling in 2007.

"The program that Georgia Tech has created on its campus is an outstanding example of the on-going commitment millions of Americans have made to paper recycling," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "It will take innovative and creative programs such as this one to reach the new 60 percent recovery goal set by the industry for 2012."

Since the recycling program began at Georgia Tech in 1996, recycling has been successfully integrated into virtually all components of campus life. Last year, the school recovered more than 376 tons of paper products for recycling.

"It's wonderful to be honored for the work we are doing, and the positive impact we have on campus life," said Cindy Jackson, manager of the school's Office of Solid Waste Management and Recycling. "We provide the necessary means to implement our programs, including established collection sites and regular pick-ups for paper recycling, but our ultimate success comes from the active participation of everyone on campus."

For additional information and other 2008 AF&PA Recycling Award winners, the paper industry's new recovery goal, historical recovery data, and background materials and resources, please visit www.paperrecycles.org

About AF&PA
AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, paper, and wood products industry. AF&PA represents companies and related associations that engage in or represent the manufacture of pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 6 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing output, employs more than one million people, and ranks among the top 10 manufacturing employers in 42 states with an estimated payroll exceeding $50 billion. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org.