Annual Survey: Recycled Newsprint

The 72nd Texas Legislature and the TCEQ set goals (percentages) for the use of recycled newsprint and the aggregate, postconsumer, recycled-content in newsprint. Since 2000, the target percentage for recycled newsprint purchased is 30 percent of a publisher or printer's total newsprint. The goal percentage for postconsumer recycled content is 18 percent. To promote paper recycling, the TCEQ annually surveys Texas newspaper printers and publishers on their use of recycled newsprint and newsprint with postconsumer recycled content. The results from 2011 reporting are now available.

• Last Year's Survey Results (PDF)

Documents on this page are in various file formats. Help on downloading files.

Form, Worksheets, and Examples

You can download any of these versions of the survey (TCEQ-10199), which includes instructions, and submit it by e-mail, by fax, or by mail.

• Microsoft Word (TCEQ-10199)
• Microsoft Excel (TCEQ-10199)
• Portable Document Format (TCEQ-10199)

Along with the checklist and tips (PDF), refer to these examples:

• Sample Survey (without instructions, in PDF)
• Part 4, Example 1: Reporting Data (PDF)
• Part 4, Example 2: Reporting Data for Multiple Publications (PDF)

Submitting the Survey

The law applies to publications that are sold and printed on newsprint and published, printed, and distributed in the state (both daily and non-daily) to disseminate current news and information of general interest to the public.

To report for a single publication: The publisher must complete the survey, then either mail, e-mail, or fax it as instructed on the survey form (see also Part 4, Example 1: Reporting Data) (PDF).

To report for two or more publications: The publisher who printed the publications is responsible for completing one survey for all of the publications, combining the amounts as explained on the form (see also Part 4, Example 2: Reporting Data for Multiple Publications) (PDF), then mailing, e-mailing, or faxing the survey.

Note: If you receive a survey but someone else will report on your behalf, all you do is notify the Newsprint Coordinator by mail, e-mail, or fax.

Contact for Assistance

TCEQ
Newsprint Survey Coordinator, MC-108
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
Phone Number: 512-239-3143
Fax: 512-239-1065
E-mail Address: recycle@tceq.texas.gov, reference newsprint survey in the subject line.

Resources and Information

• Newsprint Recycling Program (Health and Safety Code, Chapter 361.430)
• Rules on Newsprint Recycling (Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 328, Subchapter G)
• Texas Daily Newspaper Association 
• Texas Press Association 
• American Forest and Paper Association