Twenty five percent was considered a maximum level in 1985. Today it should be considered a minimum, not a maximum.
Recycling continues to grow.
The growth in recycling and composting programs contributed to this dramatic increase. The number of curbside programs grew from 1,000 in 1988 to 7,375 in 1995. During the same period, the number of yard trimmings composting operations increased from 700 to 3,316. 6 Programs around the country continue to expand and improve, serving more people and targeting new materials for recovery. The recovery of food discards, textiles, construction and demolition materials, and reusable items, for instance, are all on the rise.