The recycling rate for all materials increased over the period from 1982 to 2010. Paper and cardboard had the highest recycling rate throughout the period, followed by glass containers, aluminum cans, and plastics. The recycling rate for plastics increased the most over the period.
The chart shows the recycling rates of four different materials from 1982 to 2010. The materials are paper and cardboard, glass containers, aluminum cans, and plastics.
Overall trends:
The recycling rate for all materials increased over the period, but the rate of increase varied.
Paper and cardboard had the highest recycling rate throughout the period, followed by glass containers, aluminum cans, and plastics.
The recycling rate for plastics increased the most, from less than 1% in 1982 to over 20% in 2010.
Specific trends:
Paper and cardboard recycling rates increased from 65% in 1982 to a peak of 80% in 1994. They then declined slightly to 70% in 2010.
Glass container recycling rates increased from 50% in 1982 to a peak of 60% in 2010.
Aluminum can recycling rates increased from 20% in 1982 to 60% in 2010.
Plastic recycling rates increased from less than 1% in 1982 to over 20% in 2010.
Possible explanations for the trends:
A number of factors contributed to the increase in recycling rates over the period, including:
Increased public awareness of the importance of recycling
Expansion of curbside recycling programs
Improved recycling technology
Government policies and incentives to promote recycling
The different recycling rates for different materials may be due to a number of factors, including:
The availability of recycling programs for different materials
The ease of recycling different materials
The value of recycled materials
Consumer preferences
Conclusion:The recycling rate for all materials increased over the period from 1982 to 2010.