National Recycling Rates The graph shows the amount of waste being collected and recycled in the US in the period from 1960 to 2005. According to the graph the amount of rubbish being collected remained at approximitely 16 - 17 million tons per year in 1960th - 1970th. Then this figure slightly increased and in 1990 it peaked at approximitely 22 million tons. Next, a sharp rise followed and in 1993 the amount og garbage being produced reached 62 million tons. Unfortunately, since 1993 this figure has been increasing constantly. On the other hand, the percentage of waste, being recycled increased gradually. From 1960 to 1970 it remained at just over 5 %. However, this figure increased significantly and peaked at 40% in 1990. Next, the amount of waste being recycled dropped to 32% in 1995. Perhaps, it was a consequence of total waste recivery growing. Within the next 10 years the amount of garbage being recycled increased steadily from 32% to 40%.