Oregon residents recycled more in 1998, but also generated more garbage, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The recovery rate (which includes some materials burned for energy recovery) was 37.3 percent, up from 35.7 percent in 1997. In 1998, an average of 2,633 lbs/resident of waste were generated, up 3.3 percent from 1997. Oregon's recovery rate has risen each year since the first survey in 1992. The 37.3 percent rate for 1998 represents the sixth consecutive increase in Oregon, but falls short of the 50 percent goal for 2000 set by the 1991 Oregon Legislature.
"This growth in the statewide recycling rate is clear evidence of Oregonians' commitment to saving resources," said Chris Taylor, director of DEQ's solid waste program. "But the amount of garbage we create has also grown every year, undermining our success in recycling. It's important for Oregonians to remember that the ultimate goal should be an empty garbage can rather than a full recycling bin."
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