Dive Brief:

• Delaware’s recycling rate has grown exponentially since 2010, when the state adopted the Universal Recycling Law.
• The state’s diversion rate is currently at 42%, putting Delaware significantly above the 34.5% national average.
• According to officials, the state’s diversion rate doubled since 2006, when Delaware started tracking its numbers.

Dive Insight:

A number of recycling initiatives introduced in the state helped to advance the numbers, according to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

For instance, organizations were required to participate in recycling via a small collection fee levied on bottles. Furthermore, residential recycling became mandatory, and haulers were required to offer residents curbside collection services.