by Leslie Wollack

Americans recycled 32 percent of their waste last year, according to Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2005 Facts And Figures, a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released this month.

Study results show that, including composting, Americans recycled 79 million tons, representing a 2 percent increase from 2004 and a huge jump from 16 percent in 1990.

In all, Americans generated nearly 246 million tons of municipal solid waste last year ? a decrease of nearly 2 million tons from 2004. In addition to generating less waste, individuals recycled nearly 1.5 pounds per person, per day.

Other data contained in the report show:

? Container and packaging recycling increased to 40 percent;

? Nearly 62 percent of yard waste was composted; and

? About 42 million tons of paper was recycled ? a 50 percent recycling rate.

EPA has collected data since 1960 on the generation and disposal of waste in the United States. The executive summary of the report is available at the EPA website, www.epa.gov/msw/msw99.htm.