1388 – The English Parliament bans dumping of waste in ditches and public waterways.
1551 – The first recorded use of packaging: German papermaker Andreas Bernhart begins placing his paper in wrappers labeled with his name and address.
1657 – New Amsterdam (now Manhattan) passes a law against casting waste in the streets.
1690 – Rittenhouse Mill, America’s first paper mill, opens in Philadelphia making paper from recycled cotton and linen as well as used paper.