OLYMPIA, Wash., -- Washington state's recycling rate grew to the highest rate ever in 2011, topping 50 percent, according to a report from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
It's the first time the rate has exceeded the goal set in state law in 1989 and it's the highest amount recycled per person since measuring recycling began in 1986.
State residents and businesses recycled 4 percent more than the previous year – more than 186 thousand tons more material. The amount of waste state residents tossed out also fell by 4 percent.
State citizens threw away about 3.5 pounds of waste per person per day in landfills. That is the lowest amount reported in 24 years.
