The line graph illustrates the total waste recovery in million tons and the percentage of recycling in the United States over the period from 1960 to 2011.
Overall, both the amount of waste recovered and the percentage of recycling increased significantly throughout the period, with the most dramatic growth occurring after 1985. While the volume of waste recovered rose sharply and continuously, the percentage of recycling grew at a slower but steady pace.
In 1960, the total amount of waste recovered was only 5.6 million tons, and the recycling rate stood at 6.4%. These figures remained relatively stable over the next two decades, with minimal increases. By 1985, waste recovery had only reached 16.7 million tons, and the recycling percentage was 10.1%.
However, after 1985, there was a notable surge in both indicators. Waste recovery experienced a rapid climb, reaching 58.8 million tons by 2000 and eventually peaking at 86.9 million tons in 2011. Similarly, the recycling rate saw steady growth, from 16.7% in 1990 to 34.7% in 2011.
Despite both lines showing upward trends, the increase in total waste recovery was more dramatic in scale compared to the percentage of recycling, indicating a substantial rise in overall waste generation alongside improvements in recycling practices.