How many people recycle each year?

According to Life 123, in the United States, 70 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 30 participate in recycling. It is believed that 81 percent of adults older than 30 participate in some type of recycling.

This figure is much higher in states such as Michigan and California where residents have a financial incentive for recycling glass, aluminum and plastic beverage containers. These states sponsor programs in which residents receive 5 or 10 cents for every item recycled. In addition, the demand for recycled paper, copper and other materials has lead to a steady increase in recycling since 1980.