Seattle set a new record for recycling rates, with 52.1 percent of residential garbage heading to recycling bins instead of landfills.

The residential recycling rate climbed by 2.7 percentage points compared to 2004 and was 2.2 percentage points higher that the previous record set in 1995. The figures are based on an annual waste audit conducted by Seattle Public Utilities.

Utilities' officials cite the mayor's 60 percent Recycling Plan and the efforts of businesses and residents as the primary reasons for the city's recycling progress.

"Seattle is once again leading the way on recycling, thanks to the commitment of residents across the city," Mayor Greg Nickels said. "People understand that recycling is one of the most important steps they can take to protect the environment, and it shows the kind of impact we can make when everyone works together."

New programs, such as the city's food waste service and recycling ordinance, made a difference. In the first year of the food waste program, residents recycled 6,000 tons of scraps. Businesses recycled 68,000 tons of paper in 2005, nearly 14,000 tons more than in 2004.

Seattle Public Utilities reports show that all sectors increased their recycling in 2005, except the city's two recycling transfer stations, which dropped slightly from 18.8 percent to 17.9 percent. Combining commercial, residential and transfer station rates, the city recycled 44.1 percent of its waste last year, an increase of 2.9 percentage points over 2004.

"There's still more that can be done," said Nickels. "More than half of our garbage is made up of paper, food waste, plastic, glass and metal that could be recycled."