The State - News from Aug. 12, 1988

Consumers are redeeming two-thirds of their aluminium cans, but less than half their glass and a minuscule amount of plastic containers, the state Division of Recycling says. The latest report heartened alumimium can makers and disappointed environmentalists and supporters of the state’s experimental penny-a-can recycling program that started Jan. 1. The report, based on industry figures from Jan. 1 to May 31, shows that aluminum was recycled at a 67% clip, with glass at 48% and plastic at 4%. Before the law went into effect, estimated recycling rates were 50% for aluminium, 40% for glass and zero for plastic. The law sets a goal of 80% for each category.