Year	Percent of Cans Recycled
1972	15.4
1973	15.2
1974	17.5
1975	26.9
1976	24.9
1977	26.4
1978	25.7
1979	25.7
1980	37.3
1981	53.2
1982	55.5
1983	52.9
1984	52.8
1985	51.0
1986	49.0
1987	50.5
1988	54.6
1989	58.0

Source: Resource Recycling, p. 23, November 1989.

The table above shows the percentage of cans recycled for each year from 1972 to 1989 in the United States.

The figures were quite low in the early 1970s, which is somewhat surprising considering the high levels of environmental activism and the beginning of Earth Day.  A great deal of environmental legislation was also passed in the United States during this time period.

The percentage of cans that are recycled has risen very steadily over these years, and is now easily over 50%.

In order to conserve our natural resources, it will be important to continue improving upon current figures.  Increased public involvement and cooperation, and more opportunities to recycle, will be key factors in increasing recycling rates.