Traditional recycling stagnant in North Carolina

RALEIGH (AP) — Start recycling.

That's the message today from the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The agency has released an annual analysis showing only a small increase in recycling statewide over the last fiscal year.

The four-percent increase was pushed by an increase in yard waste and tire recycling. That doesn't include traditional recyclables, such as newspaper and cans. The rate at which those items were recycled was unchanged.

Last fiscal year, North Carolina residents recycled 1.2 million tons of material. The state also threw away almost 12 million tons of trash.

But the state's top recycling counties are getting better. For example, Dare County recycled almost 750 pounds of material per person.

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