Md. reports that it diverted 38.8% of its waste in 2004
 
Nov. 22

Maryland diverted 38.8 percent of its waste last year, new figures from the state Department of the Environment show.

The diversion rate includes a 35.8 percent recycling rate and a 3 percent source reduction credit, according to the department.

The waste diversion rate is just below the state´s goal of 40 percent by 2005, and down from 39.6 percent in 2003.

"We are encouraged by the results and look forward to expanding outreach efforts to promote recycling so we can reach Maryland´s waste diversion goal," said Kendl Philbrick, secretary of the environment department.

Maryland´s General Assembly set the 40 percent voluntary waste diversion goal in 2000.

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