The given chart illustrates the proportion of waste materials recycled among households over the course of 10 years starting from 1992.
Overall, it is apparent that the recycling rates of all materials increased, except for cans. Additionally, paper together with glass witnessed highest recycling rates compared to other materials during almost the entire given timescale, except 1992 when cans took the leading position.
In 1992, cans accounted for the largest portion of recycled waste, with around 18% being converted into new objects and materials. This was followed closely by paper and glass, at about 13% and 15% respectively. Meanwhile, only 10% of plastic was recycled in 1992.
Over the following decade, the recycling rate of glass suddenly increased more than threefold, reaching a peak of approximately 50%. Similar changes were witnessed in the figure for paper, which surged by 20% and ended at just below 40%. In contrast, there was a downward trend in the percentage of recycled cans, dropping slightly to around 13% before recovering to 15% in 2002. Although the recycled plastic rate witnessed a modest rise from 10% in 1992 to 12% in 2002, it still had the lowest recycling rates in each of the three years.