But residential collection lagged national trends. Four hundred employees at modern sorting plants open bags, sift for recyclables. Current recovery rate of 8 percent draws criticism from recycling advocates, but city predicts it will reach 25 percent by end of 1997. When tree-lover Richard M. Daley became mayor, he pledged to increase tree count to one million. On Lake Shore Drive median, trees must withstand winter salt spray, auto exhaust.
Funds come from general obligation bonds, federal sources.
First view for many visitors is new groves along Kennedy Expy. Bigger plan will line I-55 along historic Illinois and Michigan Canal with trees, patterned limestone. City-backed GreenCorps trained 37 residents in horticulture, assigns them to planting and maintenance of 200 new gardens, including five near DNC convention site. Latest efforts create greening plans for whole communities. 228, recommends trip to Homan Ave.