The graph displays information on the proportion of materials recycled from 1982 to 2010 in a particular country. Percentages of recycled plastics, aluminium cans, glass containers, and paper and cardboard are given.
Overall, plastic constantly ranked last. However, paper and cardboard have always topped the recycling rate.
In the year 1982, the recycling percentage of paper and cardboard was 65%, which increased by 5% in the next four years, reaching 70% by the year 1986. But, in the next four years, it fell to 65% again; after that, the percentage surged by 15% and reached 80%, an all-time high. Even though the recycling rate gradually decreased by 10% in the next 20 years, paper and cardboard remained on top.
Whereas, plastic experienced 5% growth throughout and stayed at the lowest. In contrast, the recycling rate of aluminium cans has shown tremendous growth, reaching 45% from 5%. Glass containers experienced a sudden decline between 1982 and 1990, of about 10%, but it recovered in the next four years. After that, steady growth was observed, reaching 60% by the end of 2010.
In conclusion, all four materials have constantly remained in the same ranking throughout, with a sudden surge in the recycling rate of aluminum.